News

In the December/January issue of NZ Dog World, I interview local tattoo artist Lisa Ovington about dogs as the subject of tattoos. More people than ever are choosing to feature their dog in a tattoo - are you one of them?

Earlier this week, the NZ Government announced a ban on greyhound racing in New Zealand. The move has wide cross-party support (no political party opposed it). I work with pet greyhounds - those who have put their racing careers behind them. It has been a stressful week with many toxic comments on both sides. I have chosen to put my view into this blog post. I support the ban based on long-standing animal welfare grounds.

This research from the AKC's Canine Health Foundation reviews the effectiveness of cooling methods for overheated dogs. I am particularly keen to train for the voluntary head dunk which is good for cooling and also washing out the eyes and nose.

The quote of the month is from an unknown source - how your Christmas tree looks through the eyes of your dog.

The Christchurch City Council has proposed a number of changes to dog control. Whilst some changes are useful and should be supported, the introduction of additional short leash requirements in most of our city is unjustified considering the Council's own data. Good dog owners and dogs are being let down by a lack of enforcement of current regulations. Attached is a template for a submission to get you started; you must supply your name, address and email.

In the November edition of NZ Dog World, I discuss phermomones, an aspect of non-verbal communication which is often overlooked.

Dogs are employed around the world in support of conservation efforts. In this post, I share the story of dogs in New South Wales helping to find a critically endangered orchid species.

The quote of the month is from ancient Greece, where the healing power of dogs was acknowledged and celebrated.

Our local SPCA Op Shop is closing in November. To say that we are gutted is an understatement. This shop played an important part of Sox's training, where he made a special human friend to visit.

This city in California has acted over the animal welfare concerns about specific breeds; interest groups are concerned about "the sweeping legislation" which outlines 19 different categories of “congenital anatomical features”—ranging from “excessive skin folds” to certain snout lengths—as grounds for a ban.