Flyball Dogs... news and info

An orthopedic bed is one which has been made with a type of 'memory' material... i.e. a soft cushioning substance which will cradle the joints and bones.

Once the weight of your dog's body sinks into the cushion it is kept still and comfortable. If your dog merely rests on top of his or her bed then his/her legs and body are more prone to moving and further injuries. Conversely, an orthopedic dog bed will hold painful parts of his/her body still and also provide a more stable environment where your pet can begin to heal.

The benefits of the orthopedic bed for dogs who have developed arthritis will be in making them more comfortable and therefore more able to rest, which will in turn restore some of their precious energy.

There are many ways you can start your search for a good orthopedic dog bed... try our recommended pet suppliers, e-mail a query to them to ask for recommendations! [See links in our left-hand margin.] Go to your local pet store. Try your vet... ask for his or her opinion and recommendations.

Remember to buy a bed which is large enough for your pet to stretch out at will. Another thought is a magnetic collar which is supposed to help with arthritis... if you click over to our Dog Agility Training blog [link in margin] you will see my plea for information [March Archives, dated 16th] from anyone who has previously used magnetic collars successfully, or not... sadly, so far I've had no responses!

To keep your flyball dog in tiptop shape, and to make him or her as comfortable as possible, keep an eye on him/her and remember that if he or she appears to be uncomfortable, stiff or unable to sleep, you can do something to help relieve the aches and pains.

Labels: arthritis, injuries, orthopedic beds, orthopedic dog beds

Looking for official information from the British Flyball Association with details of events, changes to the sport... plus flyball news from around the world?

The web address for the BFA is http://www.flyball.org.uk - where you can click on the various links to find what you are searching for.

Alternatively, copy and paste the following address to access 'The Flyball Record' which is the newsletter for the BFA. Back issues are available to view online... they go back as far as 1994, and up to February 2007 at the moment.

The address you are looking for is... http://www.flyball.org.uk/official/publications.php

Labels: British Flyball Association, flyball news, newsletter, the flyball record, world news

The UnderDog Show semi final compered by Julian Clary with Valerie his dog was quite an eventful show!

For those who missed it, there were two rounds which the dogs and handlers had to negotiate... one was based mostly on the Agility discipline, the other an obedience trial.

All the dogs bar one, Robson with Mishal Husain, failed miserably at the 'obedience' trial. Robson came out top by a very high margin with the judges, who were totally right, yet it was poor Robson who was eliminated when the public vote was taken into consideration, and he is now looking for a good home!

[The following morning Mishal Husain appeared on BBC1 Breakfast together with Peter Purves (one of the judges)... I think he was disappointed that the dog who was potentially the best of the bunch wouldn't be appearing in the final the next week!]

Some of the poor performances in the obedience could be forgiven... as Cookie was distracted by something which really upset him outside the ring, and totally fixated upon it, nothing else mattered to him, though a reasonable performance had preceded this distration!

The rehearsal, complete with food distraction was Chumps undoing... food was the only thing on his mind on the live show... though he gave in 'gracefully' when it was taken away!

But Casper disgraced himself by taking the food, and biting both Huey and the trainer who tried to take it from him... he will need some kind, yet firm handling, and to learn who is top dog in whatever home he finds after the programme is over.

It was good to hear that there are 10 prospective homes on the cards for Ginger who went out in the third edition of the show... he was a lovely friendly dog who deserves to find a loving home. I was very sad to see Anton and Ginger eliminated so early on as Anton had had no previous experience, yet showed an empathy and understanding which many people never seem to attain.

Just a thought... if you have a blog about dogs [or cats] yourself, a good way to spread the word about natural health remedies and make a little income as well is to become an affiliate for... Native Remedies Affiliate and Earn 25% Commissions!

I feel much happier promoting something which is natural, rather than the chemicals and artificial drugs which the drug companies promote to all health professionals.

Both for humans and pets drug companies try to ensure that they are the only ones allowed to sell and distribute 'health products'.

[We won't go into the underhand ways they try to get remedies which have been available for thousands of years banned as untested and unsafe... or the drugs which have been kept on the market even though they receive worrying results in regard to their safety... no, best not to dwell on these facts. I, and many others, would get too incensed, especially as all those wise people who want to alert the unknowing public to these facts are being threatened and generally gagged.]

If you, yourself, require natural remedies for your pet, please click the following link. Alternatively, check out the next post entitled 'Natural Remedies' where I explain all about them... see also the link in the left-hand margin...



P.S. I have just received an e-mail from TheGoodLifeLetter. It is a free newsletter and one of my very favourites, if you click the above link you can sign up and see if you like it... I KNOW you will.

But, what this postscript is about is the contents of that newsletter and the link it contained...

Do check this out now - only valid to 30th April...

'There is a crisis in health freedom. On April 30, 2007 the FDA will close the public comment period on a "Guidance" which will classify every alternative practice as medicine so that only licensed physicians can carry out the procedure AND vitamins, minerals, herbs, etc., will suddenly become "untested drugs" which will be forbidden.

Bad? Real Bad! But public outcry can stop this assault on your health and your freedom.

Spread the word! Tell everyone in your Circle of Influence, professionals, alternative practitioners, nutrient and herb companies, everyone! Let them know how important their participation is to make sure the FDA backs off from this repressive course.

Please share this link with them and urge them to take action: http://tinyurl.com/2u7ghc

Yours in health and freedom,

Rima E. Laibow, MD
Medical Director
Natural Solutions Foundation
www.HealthFreedomUSA.org'

Just one comment, in despair... How could this be even considered? [We know, all to well... $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$!] Alternative medicines have been around for thousands of years... it is these chemical and synthetic drugs which should be banned!

Labels: native remedies, natural health remedies, pet health

The only updates today, and tomorrow, will be in... 'Doggy Blog Clips'... just click the link in our LINKS section in the left-hand margin. They are well worth checking out though!

Labels: 'doggy blog clips'

No, this hasn't really got anything to do with dogs [or flyball]... directly!

But it does bring back to mind when we first got our puppy, Shimba, in April one year a long time back.

We had a large enclosed back garden with clumps of daffodils - in the lawn mostly, although there were some in the beds and borders. As soon as he was let out into the garden he ran round at full speed biting the heads off all the daffodils... no chance of catching him, so we just had 'bald' stalks! [Just a good job he didn't try eating them.]

What this post is really about is 'The Daffodil Principle'... to find the blog post just Click Here. [The posting on the blog was dated Friday, April 13, 2007... and I know I feel extremely lucky to have read it!]

If you read below you will find the summary from the end of the post... but PLEASE don't miss the actual post, to read it is just such an uplifting experience.....

"There is no better time than right now to be happy. Happiness is a journey, not a destination. So work like you don't need money. Love like you've never been hurt, and, Dance like no one's watching.

Wishing you a beautiful, daffodil day!

Don't be afraid that your life will end, be afraid that it will never begin.

If you want to brighten someone's day, pass this on to someone special. I just did! "

This is the link... Click Here. [Remember the posting on blog was dated Friday, April 13, 2007.]

Labels: daffodil principle, daffodils, dogs with disabilities, flyball, friday 13th, lucky

I have added a short post on Disabilities [both peoples and dogs] to Secrets of Dog Training... just click the link in the margin if you want to read it... the Doggy Blog Clips have been updated too.

Labels: disabilities in people, dogs with disabilities

Today I have added some glorious clips from DogGoneFast Flyball Club Adventures to my 'Doggy Blog Clips'... the link is in the left-hand margin.

Labels: 'doggy blog clips', flyball club

The following blog about the Underdog Show has been added to all my 'doggy blogs' today... there is so much interest in rescue, and this show has been all good news for dogs in need of re-homing... so the details of the show are very heartening for dog lovers.

Although the dogs, some of which were hardly more than puppies, haven't done flyball - they have demonstrated that it is easy to teach a willing animal Agility and Obedience if you are a proficient trainer.

"Last nights show saw the number of dogs and celebrity handlers whittled down to four to compete in next weeks semi-final... and again the voting of the public to save Casper did not agree at all with the opinion of the judges.

But, part of the reason behind the show is to get the public to vote in order to donate some of the call cost to a charity... though in my opinion, and that of many other viewers, the belief is, that at least some of that charity donation should be to the Dogs Trust... or another animal welfare charity...

So Clive Anderson and Alfred were eliminated. And, happily, Alfred had already become firmly installed as part of Clive's family... so Alfred's tale [or tail!] had a 'happy ending'.

As of today you will find details of all the dogs who are, or have been, on the Underdog Show at the following web page... please just copy and paste the address into your browser... http://www.dogstrust.org.uk/press_office/underdogs/bbc2show/ ...
I don't know how long that web address will stay online, so I thought if you had full access to the entire address, should it be removed, you can try just part of the address and navigate to the information you require from the first part of the address! There is a full profile of the dogs, or as full as they can get it... and details of their new lives... a rewarding read.

The show itself last night gave the dogs and handlers two different challenges... one an Agility, plus obedience and tricks type challenge, the other to put on a type of show or play, which involved the dogs in doing whatever tricks and behaviours which could be incorporated into the play, one even showed what flyball dogs have to do by opening a box.

Casper and Huey came well at the bottom in both disciplines... and Clive and Albert were joint second, but as mentioned above, it was Casper who went through.

The results show had a demonstration of freestyle dancing to music - which is what the finalists will be expected to do - the dog was called Tapper and was handled by Gina Pink who really made my day by choosing "Ain't that a kick in the head" sung by Dean Martin to do the routine to!

Also featured this week were several Dogs Trust dogs who need a rescue home... they were promoted by the celebrity handlers.

So many sad stories in need of a happy ending!"

Labels: Casper and Huey, Clive Anderson and Alfred, flyball dogs, The Underdog Show

Just to let my readers know that 'Doggy Blog Clips' has been updated today with some very interestings clips... just click on the link under the PetPlanet link on the left-hand side.

The fourth post down [as at April 9th] is "New Games in Town" and the 'source blog' link will take you to a post about Flyball and Agility.

Labels: Affordable Agility Equipment, Agility, flyball dogs, PetPlanet

Do you want to know whether eating grass is good or bad for your dog, and do you want to know why your pet eats grass?

I found a fascinating article on the subject and posted the link to the full article on my Puppy Training Secrets blog.

[Besides the article on eating grass there are many useful articles on 'doggy health' so it's well worth a visit!]

Labels: dog health, doggy medicine, eating grass, medicine

Please, do check out our new collection of interesting, informative, and amusing clips... the address has been added to our 'LINKS' section in the left-hand margin. New items of interest are added on a daily basis!

Check it out at... Doggy Blog Clips

Labels: clips, health and safety tips, hints, links

Topical news... as from 6th April, 2007 the new Animal Welfare Act comes into force in the UK.

It is welcomed by the RSPCA. And it appears to require more responsibility from animal owners... let us hope it does what it is supposed to do. It is a sad world which actually NEEDS acts like this... sometimes you could despair when you hear so many tales of cruelty.

I won't launch into my feelings about the judiciary and sentencing policies... that's a whole different blog! [Non-existent, otherwise I'm sure it would create a great deal of trouble.]

Back to the Animal Welfare Act... if you want to check the details of the act out and get further information... here are two addresses which point - they should, at least, keep one of them current - to DEFRA.

First the general introductory page at:
DEFRA - animals
then we have the page which currently has links to, and explains, the new Animal Welfare Act at:
DEFRA - Animal Welfare Act

Labels: Animal Welfare Act, cuelty, DEFRA, RSPCA

The following quote came from the 'Defenders' [you'll find their address at the bottom of the page] website. PLEASE, at least VISIT their website! You can help just by signing petitions online... like the one on Polar Bears.

"Help Save Cats & Dogs

Every day, unsung heroes around the world work to save the planet’s clouded leopards, jaguars, wolves and other endangered great cats and rare canines. Some bring emergency vaccinations to save the world’s last Ethiopian wolves from rabies outbreaks. Others teach Namibian farmers to live peacefully with Africa’s vanishing wild dogs. Some even brave Himalayan snows to protect rare and beautiful snow leopards from poachers’ guns.

Defenders of Wildlife is supporting a bill in Congress that would finally give these heroes the support they need -- but we’re going to need your help to get it passed.

Celebrate Earth Day by taking action for wild cats and canines around the world today! Tell Congress to act now!"

Learn More, Read More, and Discover More... at this address... Defenders Organization

Labels: Defenders org., jaguar, rare canine, snow leopard, wild canine, wild cat, wolf

The third programme of The Underdog Show with Julian Clary and his dog, Valerie, went out yesterday evening. It may not be flyball... but the novice dogs and handlers had to move to get round the Agility type course! Each week the degree of difficulty in the course increases.

Poor Ginger with Anton got eliminated, though they certainly weren't the worst! Ginger has to go up for re-homing as Anton's lifestyle precludes him from keeping pets. I'm sure they'll miss each other. I hope next week brings good news of what has happened to Ginger.

The results show always includes a professional demonstration of doggy dancing... doggy dancing [or heelwork to music] is what the finalists in the competition will be expected to perform.

Many people have commented to me about what happens to the percentage of money from the phone-in votes which goes to charity... the comments have ALL been in favour of at least some of this money going to dog/animal charities... and The Dogs Trust in particular.

Labels: doggy dancing, heelwork to music, Julian Clary and Valerie, The Underdog Show

This address may be useful for information and advice... A Pot-Pourri of Information sources

You'll find many and various doggy tales, together with information on alternative energy and anything else which takes my fancy!

Labels: alternative energy, doggy tales, pot-pourri of information

Dehydration is a serious loss of bodily fluids and can cause serious damage to the internal organs.

Dehydration doesn't only happen during the hot summer months, but, on warm days in a car, or even the cooler months if you park in the sun and leave the windows shut.

Sorry to bore those who are aware of this problem... but I am going to bang on about it again, and again! PLEASE spread this message as much as you can.

Every year you hear of some poor dogs dying in this unimaginably terrible way... I'm afraid I can't sympathise with those who cause this suffering, even if it does stay on their consciences.

But dehydration does not only occur when dogs get over-heated... it can also occur when a dog has illnesses associated with vomiting and diarrhoea. If a dog is dehydrated, the problem must be addressed immediately.

There is an extremely simple and elementary test to see if an animal is dehydrated. Try the test now, on your dog. It will give you some idea what is normal for your dog. Then you will have a comparison in mind if you are concerned and need to actually test to see if your dog is dehydrated.

It is a skin elasticity test... very simple to do. So, take a fold of your dog’s skin between your thumb and index finger. Gently pull that skin away from your dog. It won't hurt your dog.

When the skin is gently pinched up to make a small peak between your fingers, release the tension that you have on the skin. When your pet is fit and healthy, what you should see is... that the skin immediately returns back to its original position. There is elasticity there.

When dehydration is the problem, the skin doesn't quickly spring back to its original position. It remains as a peak, the may gradually return to its original position. This signifies a dehydration problem.

You might also notice that your dog’s eyes look sunken. And his or her gums could appear to be dry.

To test your dog's gums... press on the gums, with your finger, you will see them turn white by your finger. When you take your finger away the gums should rapidly become pink again. When your pet is dehydrated, the gums will be slow to return to the pink colour.

Fluid will be needed immediately. If your dog will drink, this a good sign... don't let him or her gulp down too much at once.

In cases of illness or severe dehydration, the dog won't take, or be interested in water. Veterinary intervention is needed immediately... as intravenous fluids will be required [and vital to recovery].

If you are able to 'read your dog' - to know when all isn't as it should be - then you will be able to know when an urgent trip to the vets is essential. So, take a few minutes NOW to do the above simple tests so that you will be fully conversant with what is 'normal' for your dog.

Labels: dehydration, diarrhoea, fluid, intravenous fluids, vomiting, water loss