9 Jun

Desensitisation Poster

Many dogs are scared of or don’t like having their claws clipped, wearing a muzzle, being groomed, having their [insert body part here!] touched or simply being at a veterinary practice!

This free poster shows in 6 easy steps how to desensitise the dog to an item it finds scary, starring Dexter the Alaskan Malamute.

As with all of the Vet Resources, feel free to download, add your own logo, stamp or details in the orange box and distribute freely to your clients. All rights are reserved, so please no selling!

Download it here.

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Posted in Resources for Veterinary Professionals by admin

2 Jun

Dogs and Divorce: Jez Rose Joins BBC Three Counties Radio and Gaz Wesley

This Saturday 4th June 2011 at 0945, Jez will join BBC Three Counties Radio presenter Gaz Wesley live on air to talk about the effect relationship break ups have on dogs and why re-homing isn’t the only option. Divorcing your partner doesn’t mean you have to divorce yourself from your pet.

It’s sure to make for some interesting debate so set your alarm!

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Posted in Jez in the media, Latest news from the dog world by admin

30 May

Weeks 3 & 6 “Doggy Sports Day”

Weeks 3 and 6 of Canine Games are known as “Doggy Sports Day”. The activities in weeks 3 and 6 of Canine Games are the same: each activity has points attached to it and the dog with the most points wins a prize for both owner and dog. If you don’t win, you’ll have plenty of time from week 3 to improve on your score and knock the winner off the top spot when we go head to head for the final in week 6!

The activities you’ll need to practice in order to get the most points are: The Biscuit Balance, Obedience Course Race, Distance Catch, Woof Relay, Musical Chairs, KONG Challenge and Recall Relay.

Continue Reading »

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Posted in Puppy Stars by admin

30 May

The Culture Clash by Jean Donaldson book review

If there is only one book that aspiring dog trainers or behaviourists should read, it is the multi-award winning Culture Clash by Jean Donaldson.

There are many books written in the dog world but very few have anything significantly new or different. Every now and again a book comes along that rocks the dog world and The Culture Clash is one of those books. I don’t know an academic reading list that doesn’t feature The Culture Clash. If you haven’t read The Culture Clash, you can’t call yourself a dog trainer.

Winner of The Dog Writer’s Association of America’s Maxwell Award and the most recommended book by The Association of Pet Dog Trainers, The Culture Clash demonstrates the revolutionary new way of understanding the relationship between humans and domestic dogs.

Jean has a wonderfully fluid writing style that is academic and chatty at the same time. There are wonderful moments of insight into her way of thinking and wealth of experience and incredible scientific knowledge in pet dog training and behaviour. I like it when I find a book that is addictive and Jean’s writing style coupled with the highly usable content (there’s not a single dull page) makes this one of those hot books you’ll not put down. I recommend it to all of my students and it is one of the most referenced books on my shelf.

ISBN: 978-1888047059
Priced at £16.95

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29 May

The Academy for Dog Trainers course review

I am frequently asked which books or DVDs I recommend for people wanting to learn more about dog behaviour or training techniques and more to the point which courses I recommend. If you want to become a dog trainer or dog behaviourist and are wondering what dog training course to undertake, and there are many out there, the legendary Jean Donaldson has just blown apart all the competition by launching her very own academic educational program…

Dog training is currently an unlicensed, unregulated profession. There are no education requirements and no gold standards regarding techniques for training dogs or teaching their families. The Academy for Dog Trainers, established by Jean Donaldson, highly respected trainer and research and world-renowned author, is committed first and foremost to providing science-based education on pet dog training, behaviour and behaviour modification. The Academy for Dog Trainer’s academic and practical standards are therefore necessarily high in order to counter the current climate of self-proclaimed experts with inadequate knowledge of science, animal behaviour, teaching or counseling.

There are 14 modules, which are:
1: Introduction
2: Animal Learning 1 and 2
3: Dog Training
4: Obedience Behaviours 1 and 2
5: Class Teaching
6: Dog Behaviour 1, 2 and 3
7: Behaviour Problems
8: Fear and Aggression
9: Client Counseling
10: History of Dog Training
11: Dog Breeds
12: Critical Thinking
13: Psychotropic Medications
14: Exam Preparation

Of all the dog training course content I have seen, this is by far the finest.

The educational program is organised to allow dedicated students to succeed with a large volume of complex material. It’s not easy and by Jean’s own self admission, at times will be challenging, but on qualifying, there is nothing more satisfying than knowing that you are “one of the good guys” and can be confident in your widespread, deep level of knowledge. This is the course that will see you master graduate level applied behaviour analysis, develop polished and efficient dog training techniques, acquire a broad, science-based understanding of animal behaviour, learn to troubleshoot behaviour problems and teach and counsel effectively. There is a long-term commitment, as with any professional study, but that is where The Academy for Dog Trainers stands out: the role of dog trainer or dog behaviourist has for once been taken seriously and elevated to that of career, not simply self-styled vocation. Once you enroll onto The Academy for Dog Trainers study program, you can progress at your own pace without deadlines and access The Academy resources such as webinars, forums and mentoring by Jean on graduation.

Check out the website for full details - I can promise you, you won’t be disappointed.

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29 May

Trainer’s Secret 100% natural liver dog training treats from dog & bone review

If you’re searching for a really tasty, healthy dog treat or a treat made from a dog treat recipe that will make your dog perform, without hesitation, I recommend Trainer’s Secret. The 100% natural liver treat (no additives, no preservatives and gluten-free), prepared by hand and dehydrated to last for 4 months with no special storage requirements and can be frozen, is the perfect treat for training and the only one endorsed by Dr. Ian Dunbar, the founder of puppy training and father of modern, lure-reward dog training.

Dr. Dunbar said: “Trainer’s Secret is the perfect training reward for dogs of all ages. And perfect too as an occasional treat — just because you love your dog. My dogs loved Trainer’s Secret and I’m sure yours will too.”

Trainer’s Secret are your secret weapon in dog training and one that I use all the time. They’re also available in a new garlic flavour, too.

Exclusive to dog & bone
Priced from £4.99

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29 May

Stagbar 100% natural antler dog chew review

Stagbar is a 100% natural, ethically sourced, antler dog chew… and while your dog’s chewing the Stagbar, he’s not chewing your shoes!

Unlike other chews, Stagbar lasts for much longer as dogs gnaw and grind at the outer to get to the tasty marrow centre.

Dogs can be quite fussy about what they like to chew on but I’m yet to meet a dog that doesn’t like the Stagbar. I use them in my puppy classes to teach “take it” and “off” cues, as all the puppies are fascinated by them and love to walk off with them to explore the different taste and texture. One of the great things about Stagbar, other than the fact that they are ethically sourced, is that they don’t go off - which means that dog can leave it for a few days and come back to it. Which is exactly what I’ve noticed dogs do with them: they gnaw, play, chew, lick, carry and grind them and then come back to them periodically to repeat the whole process. Competitively priced, natural (which means even dogs on strict diets can benefit from Stagbar) and long-lasting - everything you want in a dog chew really!

Stagbar state that it’s a long-lasting chew and it certainly is but one with much more reward than a plastic bone. Ideal for teaching dogs not to guard valued objects, as a reward and of course as an outlet for natural doggy behaviours like chewing.

Priced from £6.99 with free P&P

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29 May

Thundershirt dog anxiety body wrap review

If you have a dog who is afraid of fireworks, suffers from anxiety or is otherwise hyperactive - or even if your dog pulls on the lead and you’ve tried everything: read this. Online retailer dog & bone asked me to take a look at a new product called Thundershirt.

Thundershirt is a fairly revolutionary new product, new to the UK. I was asked to review it and to be honest, was a bit skeptical at first. What looked like a tight t-shirt was claiming to reduce the effects of noise phobias, separation anxiety, problem barking, hyperactivity, pulling on the lead and more. The people behind Thundershirt have tested the product on over 2,000 dogs, which resulted in symptoms showing an 80% significant improvement while wearing Thundershirt.

Essentially, Thundershirt works in much the same way that swaddling a baby does: it creates a gentle, even pressure around the dog’s torso which has a calming effect on the nervous system, essentially forming a constant “hug”, reducing the feeling of exposure and having to deal with the fear on its own.

Supported by literally hundreds of endorsements and true stories from real users, Thundershirt is becoming a real hot topic; not as a fashion item but because it really works. On the first four dogs I tried Thundershirt on, it had an immediately observable differences: the dogs’ demeanours changed; they became relaxed, physically calmer and seemingly less stressed. The problems we were working with in two cases almost disappeared and in the cases of a dog with fear aggression towards other dogs and one who was generally hyperactive, were so much easier to control and work with. Thundershirt had calmed them sufficiently that we could progress much quicker with the behaviour modification programs.

I have been leading an eighteen month research program into the most efficacious methods to manage and treat stress and anxiety in pet dogs in both home and veterinary settings. The most effective plan to date uses a combination of KONG, Thundershirt and the Through A Dog’s Ear music CD series alongside a behaviour modification and desensitisation plan. You can download a free poster showing you how to get the most out of Thundershirt and also our current treatment plan for noise phobias here.

I’d highly recommend Thundershirt to dog owners but also to veterinary practices and groomers to enable you to work with clients more effectively and progress quicker; I’ve had fantastic results so far but the 100% money back guarantee just goes to show how confident Thundershirt are about this highly effective product.


Priced at £29.99 with free P&P

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Posted in Recommended Products, Resources for Veterinary Professionals by admin

29 May

Ian’s World DVD by Dr. Ian Dunbar Review

Thinking of getting a dog? Are you a breeder looking for sound advice to give to your puppies’ new parents? Ian’s World features the internationally acclaimed veterinarian, animal behaviourist and dog trainer Dr. Ian Dunbar; the founder of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers and host of the popular UK television series Dogs With Dunbar. It should come with every newly homed puppy or dog.

Ian’s World is one of the finest DVDs to be released in the dog training market for a long time. It’s exceptionally high production value and HD quality, coupled with a quirky, modern design and great video snippets of dogs used to highlight information gives tired, complicated dog training DVDs a welcome facelift.

Offering a broad range of sound advice from house training, ending problems with barking, why it’s important to give your dog a hobby and how to train your best friend like he is your best friend. Ian’s World has impressed the likes of TV’s Victoria Stilwell: “Ian Dunbar offers dog owners great insight into why dogs do what they do”; the founder of clicker training in dogs, Karen Pryor: “A lively introduction to lure and reward training. Cute dogs and Ian Dunbar at his most charming!” and Mark Bekoff, co-author with Jane Goodall of Animals Matter: “Dr. Ian Dunbar is right on the mark. His training method is effective and fun for you and your dog.”

Priced at £17.95

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29 May

Every Picture Tells A Story DVD by Dr. Ian Dunbar Review

Every Picture Tells A Story by Dr. Ian Dunbar is an educational aid for children, which explores the language of dogs. Beautifully produced, it is possibly one of the most understated resources in dog training: every child, teacher, school and parent should have a copy of this DVD to promote discussion and story writing on one of the most important social safety subjects: preventing dog bites.

Every Picture Tells A Story has been digitally reproduced from an original VHS version, so the quality is not what is expected from HD or Blueray but it’s far from grainy or fuzzy and although it is a little dated in its appearance, the content is as relevant today as it was then and as it will always be. There’s simply nothing else like this available.

Dr. Dunbar covers such subjects as “how do we know how a dog is feeling?”, “how do we greet a dog?” and “how do we behave around dogs?”, using visual examples of why dogs do what they do and how they physically and verbally express how they feel. Presented in an accessible manner for all ages, Dr. Dunbar gives plenty of invaluable facts and figures, using footage of dogs interacting, playing and just ‘being dogs’ with both other dogs and children, too. His segments talking to a class of school children in the New Forest and soliciting their responses about scared dogs, clever dogs and meeting strange dogs are inspired, as are his ‘Rules for Dogs and Children’, teaching children how to be responsible around dogs.

Priced at £13.95

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