HEAD FOR THE BEACH!

SIX OF OUR DOG-FRIENDLY FAVOURITES

BRITAIN’S

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September 2023 £4.99 9 771355 738153

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ALL ABOUT 999
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BOREDOMBUSTERS
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 EDITOR’S LETTER

QUOTE OF
THE MONTH

Welcome
“If you pick up a starving
dog and make him
prosperous, he will not
bite you. It is the principal
difference between

K
eeping our pets engaged and can take part in this fun activity with
stimulated always reaps benefits. your pet. a dog and a man.
Bored dogs can get up to all Voice actor Marc Silk loves dogs
sorts of mischief, and if that sounds — from iconic canine character American writer and humorist
Mark Twain.
familiar, check out page 10 this issue, Scooby-Doo to his own bright and
where top trainer and behaviourist funny cross-breed, Honey, dogs have
Jackie Drakeford has come up with 10
boredom-busters to help keep your
been a part of his life for as long as
he can remember. Find out more and
IN THIS ISSUE
dog happy and out of trouble! check out the interview on page 18.
They won’t take a huge amount
of time, expense, or effort to
introduce and your dog will
certainly appreciate them. Editor
If you fancy a dog-friendly break
that’s a bit of a challenge this year, why
not consider tackling a long distance
walk with your canine companion? On IN MEMORY
page 14 our feature ‘Going the extra OF KAREN PAGE 10
mile!’ covers everything from picking Your Dog lost one
a route to planning ahead, checking of its most loyal
your (and your dog’s) fitness, and contributors when
what to pack. It’s a great opportunity writer and author Karen Bush
to team up with friends, family, passed away recently.
and dogs to create a really Karen was a regular and
memorable adventure. long-standing contributor
While we humans tend to rely on to Your Dog from its launch
sight to navigate our world, our dogs in 1994, and her knowledge,
rely on their sense of smell. Scent work creativity, sense of humour,
is something that is hugely beneficial and original thinking were real
and rewarding to them, and it is assets to the magazine. She PAGE 14
becoming increasingly popular. In will be greatly missed by the
the final part of our ‘Your active dog’ Your Dog team.
series (page 32), we focus on how you

+ + + WHO’S ON THE COVER THIS MONTH? + + +

HEAD FOR THE BEACH! Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Jax,
SIX OF OUR DOG-FRIENDLY FAVOURITES from Cheam, Surrey, was just a little
BRITAIN’S 
R36

BESTSELLING
DOG MAGAZINE
September 2023 £4.99
pup when he modelled for our cover
  

photo. Now the cheeky youngster

has just celebrated his first birthday.
PRODUCT AWARDS
A

2024
VOTE FOR YOUR
He loves long walks through the PAGE 18
FAVOURITE PET
PRODUCTS
woods, chasing birds, and pestering
GOING THE
EXTRA MILE! picnickers for anything they haven’t
ARE YOU AND
YOUR DOG
YOUR READY FOR A hidden away quickly enough, and
CHALLENGE?
ACTIVE
DOG he can often be located by his loud
ALL ABOUT 999
SCENT WORK snores from under the sofa!
29 GIVEAW
AYS
9 Calming suppl
emen
9 Puppy books ts
!
9 Personalise

“But despite the food stealing

d dog blank

10
9 Food toppe ets
rs
UK only

Cover pic: Cavalier King Charles
Spaniel by Mark Taylor,
Warren Photographic Ltd.
999
and all his current teenage
BOREDOMBUSTERS gobbiness, Jax is a beautiful, sweet,
YOUR DOG WILL LOVE loving pup — and the whole family
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE! absolutely adore him!” says owner
DOG WALKS IN PEMBROKESHIRE Hayley Goodson. PAGE 32
3
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10BOREDOM-BUSTERS
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into a world of expert advice, comprehensive health-care information,

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up-to-date news, and in-depth breed profiles that cater to the diverse
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26HEAD FOR THE BEACH! +
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HEAD FOR THE BEACH!
DOG-FRIENDLY FAVOURITES
clever ideas to help keep your pet out of mischief. windswept sands or a sheltered cove, check out our
SIX OF OUR

choice of six of the best dog-friendly beaches in

14GOING
2024

GOING THE
EXTRA MILE!

THE the UK.

EXTRA MILE! +
YOUR
ACTIVE
DOG
www.yourdog.co.uk/bestlife
Call 01778 395177 quoting YD/SEPT23

31FREEBIES +
10
BOREDOMBUSTERS
LOVE
YOUR DOG WILL NE!
ING FOR EVERYO
SOMETHALKS IN PEMBROKESHIRE

Looking for a holiday that offers a challenge and is

Your Dog a little bit different? Then why not try a long distance We’ve got 29 fantastic giveaways up
— the perfect walk with your dog? for grabs, including calming supplements,
companion for puppy books, cosy dog blankets, and tasty
every dog
owner. Find out 18A MAN OF MANY VOICES
Voice actor Marc Silk shares his love of dogs,
food toppers.

more about the

benefits of joining
up on page 41.
from cartoon character Scooby-Doo to his clever
cross-breed Honey. 32YOUR ACTIVE DOG +
Discover how scent work can be stimulating,
enriching, and fun for both you and your pet.

22THE CHALLENGES AHEAD 36DOG SHOPPING

Vet Vicky Payne takes a closer look at some
of the issues that vets and the veterinary profession Check out our super shopping suggestions
are currently facing. for September and discover what’s new for dog lovers
and their pets.

39HAVE YOUR SAY!

LONG DISTANCE
WALKING WITH
FRIENDS AND FAMILY More readers share their thoughts
— page 14 and experiences when it comes to life with our
four-legged friends.

42HOWARD THE HEALER

How Bearded Collie Howard rescued his
owner from rock bottom and transformed his life.

44SOMETHING
EVERYONE! +
FOR
The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park offers a huge
variety of walks, from coast paths and beaches to
forest trails and hills. Here’s four fabulous walks for you
and your dog to enjoy.

48DOG ANSWERS
Advice on training, behaviour, health, and
general care for all our readers, from our panel of
dog experts.

53THE GALLERY
Check out which readers’ dogs have been
chosen for this month’s gallery of canine stars. Is your
dog among them?
4
Your Dog September 2023
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Call 01778 395070
VOICE ACTOR Email editorial: editorial@yourdog.co.uk;
AND DOG LOVER
MARC SILK
email advertising: ads@yourdog.co.uk
— page 18
Image: Adrian Milledge. EDITORIAL
Editor: Sarah Wright
Call 01778 395066
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Digital editor: Lara Cracknell
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PRODUCTION
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ADVERTISING
Commercial manager:
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VIEWS FROM THE
COAST PATH Account manager: Kay Cotterill
— page 44
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NEWS

News. Chat. Interviews. Pictures. Competitions.

HELP FOR PETS CAUGHT UP

IN UKRAINE DAM EXPLOSION
Thanks to a charitable organisation, trace him to the Babenets Animal
more than 1,500 dogs and cats Shelter in Kyiv. As soon as Lyubov is Charitable Trust’s Ukraine Appeal,
were rescued in one week following able to restore her home, the pair in recognition of the life-saving
the Kakhovka Dam explosion and will be reunited. work their vets undertake every
flooding in Ukraine’s Kherson region. Meanwhile, spooked by the day, despite constant shelling,
U-Hearts’ Save Pets of Ukraine explosion, Buddy escaped erratic or no electricity and water,
initiative supported 13 volunteer through a gap in the fence and limited medical supplies.
groups and non-governmental and ran off. Despite
organisations by donating pet food, his distraught owners
transportation cages, medications, searching tirelessly,
and metal saws for cutting chains there was no sign
and locks. of him.
Cross-breed Druxhok and Thankfully, the
Newfoundland Buddy are just two of stressed Newfoundland
the lucky dogs plucked to safety. was found and taken
Although Druxhok’s owner, to the shelter by
Lyubov, was able to save her cat, she volunteers, and it’s
couldn’t reach her beloved dog. hoped he’ll be able
Top: Buddy was found
and taken to a shelter “I was in my robe and slippers, to return to his
by volunteers. that’s all,” explained the heartbroken home soon.
73-year-old, who lives alone. “Now O Three veterinary
Above: The destruction the water in my house is almost clinics in Ukraine
of the Kakhovka Dam
caused widespread
reaching the ceiling. But I don’t care have won special
flooding. about the furniture or my belongings; prizes as part of the
I’m only worried that I couldn’t prestigious 2023
save Druxhok. International Canine
“Animals gave me movement and Health Awards.
Top right: Druxhok
and his owner will energy. It was for them that I woke in The clinics, in
be reunited once her the morning, and spent more time Kherson, Mykolaiv,
home is restored. outdoors, and I took shelter with and Zaporizhzhia
them during the shelling.” will each receive
Right: Volunteers
helped to get dogs and
By sheer chance, Lyubov saw $20,000 plus a further
other pets to safety. a news clip of a volunteer rescuing £10,000 donation
Druxhok, and U-Hearts was able to from The Kennel Club

FRUSTRATION OVER WITHDRAWAL

OF ANIMAL WELFARE BILL
Campaigners have accused ministers of betrayal
after the long-awaited Kept Animals Bill has
been scrapped.
RSPCA head of public affairs David Bowles said: “We are
disappointed that MPs have voted against reviving the bill.
We want to see animal welfare legislation back on track
and we know that the public do too.”
Dogs Trust veterinary director Paula Boyden added:
6
Your Dog September 2023
“When is the Government going to put the needs of
animals before political point-scoring?”
Environment Minister Mark Spencer said measures
in the bill — including those designed to tackle puppy
smuggling, pet theft, and the importation of dogs
with cropped ears — would now be implemented
individually before the next election, rather than in
one piece of legislation.
 SAD DECLINE FOR SCOTTISH BREED
The Cairn Terrier, which rose to fame as Dorothy’s dog, Bill Lambert, Kennel Club spokesperson, said: “The
Toto, in the classic Hollywood film ‘The Wizard of Oz’, is Cairn Terrier is an iconic breed, best known as Toto, but
facing an uncertain future following a 42 per cent drop also as a firm family favourite, so [these] low numbers are
in popularity. very worrying.”
According to new Kennel Club statistics,
this historic British breed is at risk of
disappearing, after numbers have halved over
the past decade. Annual puppy registrations
fell from 1,085 in 2013 to just 492 in 2022.
In the 1930s, the Cairn Terrier became one
of the country’s five most popular breeds, and
then enjoyed a 658 per cent increase from 481
puppies born in 1940 to 3,645 in 1947, before
peaking at over 4,000 in 1989.
However, this small Scottish breed, along
with Airedale Terriers (down by 49 per cent),
Irish Setters (down by 48 per cent), and
Right: Cairn Terriers
Pointers (down by 42 per cent), has fallen
have fallen out
of favour. out of favour, and if its current rate of decline
Image: The Kennel Club
continues, it will be put on the Kennel Club’s
and Heidi Hudson. Vulnerable Native Breeds list.

BOWIE’S BARBIE BLUNDER

DOG DATA
The Jack Russell
Terrier is the
UK’s most An Aberdeen woman is urging
affordable dog owners to be on their guard in
breed to own, public spaces after her dog ate
while British a foot-long chicken skewer from
Bulldogs are the a barbecue in a city park.
least, according Anne McIntosh initially thought
to a survey by Bowie had stolen some meat off the
the Insurance grill, lit by students in Seaton Park.
Emporium. But when they told her he’d not
only swallowed chicken, peppers,
and onions but the skewer too, she
rushed her Border Collie X Kelpie to
the Vets Now clinic in Skene Road.
There, vets sedated Bowie and
carefully removed the wooden
spike, which luckily was still in
his oesophagus.
“I thought the skewer could
pierce his internal organs,” explained
Anne, who was relieved her
two-year-old dog didn’t have to
undergo a full operation.
“I now put Bowie on the lead any
time I see or smell a barbecue and
I’d warn every owner to watch out
as it can happen in an instant.”
According to Vets Now, skewer
cases more than double in the
spring/summer season, with a 131
per cent increase compared to
autumn/winter.
Vets are urging people to
carefully dispose of barbecue waste,
Right: Bowie particularly skewers, bones, corn
swallowed on the cob, and spicy or heavily
a foot-long skewer. seasoned food.
7
www.yourdog.co.uk
NEWS

News Hound-up — roughly the equivalent of 50 in human years.

O NEW PET ADOPTION
WEBSITE LAUNCHED TO FIND RESCUE PETS
A team of Cambridgeshire animal lovers has launched
a new central database to simplify the process of finding
the right rescue pets.
According to the Relovable Pets website more than
800,000 monthly online searches are made by potential
adopters, yet over 100,000 dogs and cats remain in
shelters for several months or even years.
The website aims to bring all pets available for
rehoming under one roof and connect animal lovers
with shelters all over the country.
“We understand the challenges of searching and
registering with the many shelters to find the right
pet, and our goal is to make it easier for everyone,” said
Above: The new
website aims to make it
founder Elaine Scott, whose organisation has launched
easier to find the right a crowdfunding appeal to raise £25,000 to help cover
rescue pet. initial connectivity costs.
O View the website at www.relovablepets.co.uk
O SHARED SLEEPING HABITS
Researchers at America’s North Carolina State University
have found that dogs and humans with dementia share
strikingly similar sleeping habits.
The new study, published in ‘Frontiers in Veterinary
Science’, showed dogs may have the same disruptive
sleep patterns as people when suffering from
Above: Dogs and Alzheimer’s or dementia.
humans with dementia Twenty-five pure- and mixed-breed dogs, aged 10
may have the same – 16, underwent a series of tests measuring attention,
disruptive sleep
patterns.
memory, control, cognitive flexibility, brainwaves, and
muscle, heart, and eye movements.
Results revealed that dogs with dementia took
longer to fall asleep and slept less — just like their
human counterparts.
O CALL FOR FREE ANNUAL
CANINE HEALTH CHECKS
Dog food brand Years.com is calling on politicians
to adopt a vote-winning policy of providing publicly
funded health tests for middle-aged dogs before the
Above: Should health next general election.
tests for middle-aged The company says NHS-style canine health checks,
dogs be available free funded by taxpayers to the tune of £200m a year, would
of charge?
help increase the lifespan of dogs once they reach seven
Years.com estimates there are around four million
dogs in the UK who would benefit from a free annual
vet check.
O For more info, visit www.years.com/pages/
nhsfordogs
O MIND THE GAP!
Researchers from Hungary and Sweden have discovered
that dogs’ brains are getting bigger the further they
evolve genetically away from wolves — possibly due to
their interaction with humans.
Published in the journal ‘Evolution’, the study used CT
images to compare the brains of more than 850 dogs
across 159 breeds with 48 wolf specimens.
The data found that modern dog breeds have
bigger brains than those of ancient canines, and
while domesticated animals tend to have smaller
brains than their wild counterparts, modern dogs
are closing that gap.
O STAY ALERT FOR TICK-BORNE DISEASES
The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA)
is advising vets and owners to be vigilant after research
revealed UK dogs are being infected by non-endemic
tick-borne diseases, despite never travelling abroad.
According to the study of 76 dogs with tick-borne
diseases, more than half were diagnosed with
ehrlichiosis or babesiosis — neither of which are
endemic in the UK — while five had no history
of travel. Other diseases included Lyme borreliosis
and anaplasmosis.
O EVENT BOOSTS CANINE
CAUSES ACROSS CONTINENT
More than £50,000 has been raised for European dog
rescue charities from the 2023 Agria Dog Walk.
More than 30,000 dogs took part in events across
the UK, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Norway,
and Sweden.
In a new three-year partnership with English
Heritage, the UK walks at Dover Castle, Witley Court
and Gardens, Pendennis Castle, Wrest Park, and
Birdoswald Roman Fort, raised just over £18,500 for
Retired Greyhounds Canterbury, Help4Hounds
Rescue, Daybreaks Trust, Spaniel Aid UK, and Dogs
First Animal Rescue.

What’s on
You can enjoy
displays by
in September?
Scentventure,
O September 2 and 3: From 9.30am: The North East Dog
a lifestyle Festival, Northumberland College Kirkley Hall Campus,
approach to dog Ponteland, Northumberland NE20 0AQ.
training and This weekend-long canine extravaganza, which has partnered
behaviour.
with Scentventure for 2023, is expected to attract 10,000 dog
lovers. Highlights include main ring attractions, have-a-go
activities, more than 80 exhibitors, food, a wellness tipi with
seminars, two charity dog shows, and a breed hang-out area.

O Cost: From £10.

O More info: www.northeastdogfestival.com

8
Your Dog September 2023
 Q

CRITICALLY ILL CANINE

HERO RECEIVES A BOOST
A charity has launched an emergency appeal
to help a brave police dog who needed
multiple life-saving operations after falling
seriously ill with sepsis peritonitis.
Right: Retired police Eight-year-old German Shepherd
dog Finn. Finn suffered severe complications after
Below: Finn was
swallowing part of a toy, which caused
seriously ill with sepsis blockages in his stomach and small
peritonitis. intestines. The retired general purpose police
dog, who served
with Sussex Police
alongside handler Sue
West, before retiring
in 2021 due to hip
dysplasia, spent eight
weeks receiving
round-the-clock care
at a specialist vet clinic
in Surrey. Now retired
police dog charity
the Thin Blue Paw
Foundation is asking
for donations to help
cover the cost of Finn’s
treatment. Already
half the £22,800 target
has been reached.
O Visit www.
justgiving.com/
campaign/rpdfinn

DOG DATA
Research by World Pupdates
Rover.com O AUSTRALIA: Lucy the Labrador
has revealed has become Australia’s first full-time court
71 per cent of facility dog as part of a pilot project to provide
owners would comfort to people, especially children, victims
rather invite of domestic violence, and those with diverse
their dog to cultural and linguistic backgrounds, who
their wedding need support during the various stages of the
than family judicial process.
and friends, The five-year-old dog visits hearings, legal
with 37 per interviews, and mediations in Melbourne’s
cent planning family court, helping to relieve stress
to involve while people navigate the justice system.
their canine If feedback from court attenders and staff
companion continues to prove positive, it’s hoped the
in their programme will be made permanent.
celebrations.
O PORTUGAL: Officially recognised as
the world’s oldest dog by Guinness World
Records (see ‘Talking Dogs’, April 2023 issue), SPECIAL OFFER
Bobi has celebrated his 31st birthday in style. FREE delivery* with coupon code: YDFD23 at www.nutravet.co.uk
A dance troupe and 100 guests were invited
to a party in honour of the pure-bred Rafeiro Purchase online or find your local stockist at:
do Alentejo, a Portuguese breed trained to www.nutravet.co.uk
2IIHUHQGVVW'HFHPEHU
guard livestock, owned by Leonel Costa of
Conqueiros, near Leiria.
9
www.yourdog.co.uk
BUILD
BU
B UIL
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YOUR
YOUR
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BOND
ON
ND

10 boredom-busters
for your dog
Boredom creates mischief for little (and large) paws
and teeth! Trainer and behaviourist Jackie Drakeford
shares her tips on how to avoid it.

Y 1
Above: Don’t forget our schedule may be extremely busy and All dogs love to eat, but some are on a special
how important demanding, but preventing your dog from diet for health reasons, while others are naturally
regular mealtimes
becoming bored shouldn’t be seen as an finicky feeders. While you can’t do much about
are to your dog.
unwanted extra chore. the former, you can enhance mealtimes for the others
Inset: Using toys Have a look at these useful boredom-busters with hardly any extra input. A dog who isn’t keen on his
such as Kongs can for your pet; they don’t take long to introduce food isn’t being awkward or manipulative. Stress can
prolong the pleasure and they aren’t particularly costly either, and make some dogs eat ravenously (just like humans) or
of mealtimes.
one thing is certain — your dog will really go off their rations completely. Even the trouble-free
appreciate them! dog who happily clears his bowl every mealtime can
10
Your Dog September 2023
 TOP TIP! become bored with the same rations day in, day out, yet as leg exercise. Even if you are restricted to pavement
Variety is it doesn’t take much to enhance his enjoyment. You can walks some of the time, you can put ‘sniff ’ on cue and
the spice of add small amounts of something delectable, such as invite your dog to check out the wee mails left by
life! Look at a chopped up sardine in tomato sauce (not brine), or previous dogs, and other scents of interest that he can
whatever you a teaspoonful of fresh mince. Mix it well with the normal detect. As long as it’s safe, from time to time you can
usually do, then meal so that even if your dog tries to pick bits out, it will hide a tiny treat, or a retrieve dummy for your dog
find ways of take him time to do so, and therefore make the meal to find.
adding interest. more interesting.

3
Does your dog How long does it take your dog to eat? For those who Some dogs are happy to lie in the garden all
like to play in ‘inhale’ their food making mealtimes last longer fulfils day and watch the world go by, but more enjoy
puddles? Wear their basic hunting instinct in a safe way, and adds testing the security of the fence, checking out
your wellies and considerably to the pleasure of each meal. horticultural root systems, researching pond life, barking
join him for You can use snuffle mats, hide the food between at passers-by, or similar activities that disrupt a peaceful
a splashathon. layers of towels, scatter some of it in the garden for your neighbourhood! Outdoor spaces can be made much
Does he hate dog to seek it out, or fill toys such as Kongs. more interesting by providing a safe digging area, such
water? Tiptoe as a child’s sandpit, which can be covered after use to

2
with him, in an Ideally, walks should be as varied as you can keep stray cats out. Hide some toys for the dog to find,
exaggerated make them, because the same old route becomes so that it’s always much more fun to dig there than
way, around tedious very easily. Sometimes a different route anywhere else.
the edge of makes up for a shorter distance, or adding an extra loop A raised platform for your dog to lie on, which gives
the puddles to a regular walk can present a welcome change. a better perspective when observing surroundings, is
instead. Dogs live in a world of scent, and it’s easy for us to enjoyed by most dogs, but situate it in the middle of
forget that brain work from a ‘sniffathon’ is as important the garden rather than near the boundary. Distance

“…walks should be as
varied as you can make
them, because the same
old route becomes tedious
very easily.”
Right inset: Invite your
dog to check out the
scents on his walks.

Right: Some
dogs love to chill
out in the garden.

11
www.yourdog.co.uk
BUILD YOUR BOND
Setting up some puzzle
games for your dog can
be highly rewarding.

Right: Convalescing
dogs can easily become
bored, especially when
they are restricted in
a crate or a small area
of the house.

“Something as simple
as changing the order in
which you do your training
can put fizz back into your
dog’s responses.”
but minimising boredom on these occasions can be
really challenging. Gentle grooming can help pass the
time, at first just for a few moments. Building this to
five or 10 minutes several times a day breaks up the
monotony better than half an hour at a time.
Massage is usually well received too, as long as you
avoid the sore areas. Sitting by the crate and chatting
TOP TIP! lends enchantment for dogs, and they are much less to your dog (we all do it!), reading, or doing something
If you need to likely to feel defensive, and therefore be noisy, if they like knitting, gives him gentle company and soothes him
get on with are surrounded by plenty of their own space rather than until he is ready to sleep again. Children can be lovely
some work, being close by the perimeter. convalescent companions by reading out loud to the
give your dog dog, or explaining something they have just learned

4
something safe Not much equals the fun of destruction! To avoid at school!
to chew that household items being remodelled, make some

will relax as puzzle toys by stuffing newspaper and a few tiny
well as occupy treats into the left-over cardboard middles of toilet and
him. Chewing kitchen rolls. Taking these to bits is surprisingly tiring
releases calming for dogs, and five or 10 minutes of deconstructing and
endorphins demolition is often followed by a snooze. Leading on
and so creates from this theme, cardboard boxes can also be filled with
contentment. screwed up newspaper and a few hidden treats.
Setting out some paper cups, some with a treat under
Rub soft toys and some not, is a game that can be played in various
6
Dogs adore playing hide-and-seek, though to be
safe you should only play this in your own house
or garden — never out on walks unless you are
in a private and enclosed area. Put your dog in a ‘wait’
then hide behind a chair and call him to find you. As he
gets more proficient, you can leave him in one room and
hide in another, or hide in plain sight but crouch down
with a blanket over you and let him snuffle you out.

7
against your rooms of the house if the weather is too bad for any but Some training classes can be really boring for
skin so they the shortest of outings. some dogs. There are breeds who find challenge
smell of you and stimulus in repeating exercises (“Sit? You

5
— his favourite Convalescing dogs fall into two main categories
person! — those who feel fine except for one injury or area
of surgery, and those who are feeling peaky all
over and just want to rest and recover.
Each may need to be crated or confined to
a small area so they heal without further damage,
12
Your Dog September 2023
want me to sit? This way? That way? Facing you? Round
by the side? Oh, I love ‘Sit’!”) and those who might do
something once to be obliging, but really can’t see
the point unless something relevant is happening.
I remember being at one training class as an observer,
watching an Akita standing staring at his owner,
 Q
refusing to perform the ‘Sit! Stand! Down!’ routine that a towel makes it much more desirable than if you simply
the trainer wanted. Finally, after much treat-waving, he hand it over.
lay down, but was then immediately ordered to ‘Stand’.

9
The look he gave me was priceless! He stayed lying Training a new activity can be really stimulating
down for the rest of the session! for most dogs, especially if they already have
a favourite discipline that you do a lot together.

8
Even much-loved toys can become boring over Try something completely different, such as gundog
time so, apart from a few favourites, it’s helpful training, tracking, or hoopers. Your dog can really feel
Below: Try a new to rotate toys so that there is always something refreshed by a complete change without the pressure
activity such as
hoopers, which has
new to investigate. This can be invaluable when training of competing.
become particularly a new activity or changing an unwanted behaviour.

10
popular recently. Letting the dog ‘find’ the toy in a paper bag or under There is a thin line between what is safe and
familiar, and boredom. If you always train your
exercises in the same order, your dog may
find security in the predictability to begin with, but this
can all too easily morph into ‘same old, same old’.
Then concentration can flag, and responses become
sloppy. Something as simple as changing the order in
which you do your training can put fizz back into your
dog’s responses.
Likewise, if your usual day always involves everything
happening in the same order, why not incorporate
something different? Do remember though that walks
and food are really important to dogs, so maintain your
usual schedule for these to avoid creating anxiety.

Some dogs love practising

training exercises such
as ‘Sit’ but others don’t
see the point!

13
www.yourdog.co.uk
TAKING A BREAK
GOING THE
EXTRA MILE! If you’re a keen walker, or looking for a challenge and
a holiday that’s a bit different, how about tackling
a long distance walk with your dog?
Make sure you have READY FOR
access to maps of your ANYTHING
route and take a paper
Walking 10 or more miles (16km)
map and compass as
back-up. a day for several days in succession
can be a very different proposition
to your usual daily stroll with
a longer outing at weekends.
Before deciding whether to
take your dog along, consider
whether he will enjoy it — if you
aren’t sure, go for a long-distance
day or weekend hike to see if his
enthusiasm levels are as high
as yours.
Age and health will also be
factors to consider. Your dog should
be reasonably young (although
physically matured so you don’t risk
damaging developing bones, joints,
and muscles) and will also need to
be fit enough. A health check from
your vet will also be a good idea.
14
Your Dog September 2023
PICKING A ROUTE
There are plenty of long distance
trails and walks in the UK, varying
in length from shorter distances
perfect for doing in a day, or spread
over a long weekend, to more
challenging expeditions taking one
or more weeks to complete.
NATIONAL TRAILS
Waymarked with a distinctive acorn
symbol, these long distance walks
take you through some of the very
best landscapes England and Wales
can offer, covering a total of 2,500
miles (4,000km). The first trail to
be opened was the Pennine Way
in 1965, and since then it’s been
joined by 15 others. The latest trail
is the England Coast Path; many
sections are now open, and when
completed, it’ll be the longest
 DID YOU
KNOW?
Invite a friend
(with or without
a dog) to join
you. As well
as being
fun having
human as well as as shops where you can restock any
canine company, essential supplies so you don’t have
it can be to carry everything you’ll need for
a good safety the walk’s duration. Look, too, for
precaution in overnight accommodation where
case of stranger you and your companion will both
danger or in be welcome. Camping is a cheap
the event of an option, but will add to the weight
accident along you have to carry, and after a long
the way. day’s hike you might find yourself
looking forward to a proper bed,
with no worries about having to
Top: You and your coastal trail, not just in England but The Long Distance Walkers erect and take down a tent each
dog can explore some in the world. Find out more at Association has a database of day. It’s worth booking in advance
lovely walking country some 1,600 routes to choose from, to ensure you’ll have somewhere to
www.nationaltrail.co.uk
in the UK.
including shorter routes you may stay, rather than risking arriving to
Right: The National SCOTLAND’S find handy to walk as part of your find there’s no room at the inn!
Trails are waymarked GREAT TRAILS training as you build up to longer This means you’ll need to work
with the acorn symbol. Covering 1,900 miles (3,000km), ones. Find out more at www.ldwa. out how far you’re likely to travel
these well-managed trails (there are org.uk You can also find suggestions each day — simply looking at maps
Right inset: Research
dog-friendly cafes, 29 of them) range in length from 24 at www.walkingenglishman.com can be deceptive. Walking along
pubs, and places to to 210 miles (40 – 340km), making off-road trails, it’s unlikely that you’ll
stay before you go on many suitable for short breaks as PLAN AHEAD be doing more than 2 – 2.5mph,
your walk. well as longer excursions. and if covering hilly, uneven, or
Research dog-friendly pubs and
Find out more at www. cafes along your route, where you boggy terrain, you may be going
scotlandsgreattrails.com can stop for refreshments, as well even slower. Time-wise, you’ll also
15
www.yourdog.co.uk
TAKING A BREAK
DID YOU need to factor in breaks for
KNOW? snacks and a rest, the occasional
Check whether deviation from the route to visit
your pet places of interest, and stopping
insurance will time to take a look at the scenery!
cover this type You may find it helpful to try a few
of holiday. day walks of known lengths while
you and your dog are getting into
The extra daily shape to give you an idea as to your
activity may walking speed.
mean your
dog is burning FITNESS
more calories You may need to start building
so he may need up your own fitness levels in
more food than preparation — but don’t forget your
usual. And don’t dog. Begin gradually building up
forget to keep distance and duration during the
a few dog treats weeks before you go, and include
to hand for different surfaces such as roads
snack stops! as well as grass to help toughen
up your dog’s pads so he doesn’t
become footsore.
Remember too that some terrain
can be challenging in other ways; if
there are lots of hills for example, it
will be more physically demanding
than if covering relatively level
stretches, so factor this into both
your pre-holiday fitness training and
in determining how much ground
you can realistically cover each day.
Of course, there is no reason why
you have to do a long distance
route all in one go. It may be more
manageable if you break it down
into shorter sections instead,
This will be a great
especially as the really long trails
opportunity to bond may require several weeks to
with your dog.
Your Dog September 2023
complete, which might be hard to
fit into available time off, as well as
prepare for.
FINDING YOUR WAY
Although most well-established
trails are clearly signed with
waymarkers to help you find your
way, sometimes they get hidden
by vegetation or there can be long
gaps between them, which can
leave you wondering if you’re still
going the right way. They are also
not very helpful if you simply want
to know where exactly you are and
how far it is to your next planned
stop. If you have to make a detour,
you’ll also need to navigate your
way back onto the trail. Taking
a GPS device will help you pinpoint
your location, and it can be
uploaded with maps to help you
find your way. But don’t rely on
it entirely; batteries can become
depleted, or signals disappear.
FIND OUT MORE AT
O www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-countryside-code/the-
countryside-code-advice-for-countryside-visitors
O www.outdooraccess-scotland.scot/
16
As back-up always carry a paper
map and compass — and just as
important — know how to use
them! There is plenty of information
online, or you could enrol on
a course to learn map-reading skills.
YOU’RE NOT ALONE
Remember you’re likely to be
sharing your walk with others.
Along the way you may meet other
walkers (with and without dogs),
joggers, cyclists, and horse riders.
Be courteous and ready to put
your dog on the lead if necessary
to ensure he doesn’t chase after or
bother them. There may be other
occasions when he has to be
on-lead too, such as where there
are grazing animals and when
crossing areas where there are
ground-nesting birds. Make sure
your dog’s training is up to scratch,
and know your responsibilities
when walking in the countryside.
 Q

Above: Make it a combined one as many items are

a memorable
experience for
WHAT TO PACK
you and your dog.
Although you’ll be travelling light, as well
as your own stuff there’ll be essentials
you’ll need to pack for your dog. In
addition to his collar, lead, and harness if
he wears one, you’ll need:
O FOOD/WATER BOWL:
A lightweight collapsible one will
save both space and weight. Also
carry a combined water bottle/
attach to
bowl which you can atta
your belt or back pack so you
can offer your dog a drink
drin at
regular intervals along the
th way.
O FOOD: If your dog eats
kibble, weigh o out
individual portions
p canine one, to keep space and
that can bbe
bagged upu into
reusable ziplock bags so you have
less weight and bulk to carry. If your
dog eats canned wet food however,
it can add up to a lot of extra weight
so you might want to consider
dropping off supplies in advance
at planned stopping points along
the way.
O FIRST AID KIT:: Rather than
having a separate human and
weight to a minimum, there’s no
reason why you can’t have
the same for both of you.
O MICROFIBRE TOWEL: These are
very absorbent and will pack down
small. A pack of dog-friendly wet
wipes can also come in handy.
O BED: Something you can roll or
fold up, such as a piece of Vetbed,
which will give your dog something
comfortable to settle on
that has the reassuring
smell of home.
O TOY: Something
small and light,
which is a favourite,
can help your dog
to settle at night in
a strange place.
A Kong, which can
stuffed with
be stuffed
food, or a Lic
LickiMat
ckiMat
may also be helpful and
will take up mminimal
inimal space.
O POO BAGS: As there may not
always be a convenient poo bin
around, a poo holder as well, which
can be clipped onto your belt, will
make carrying filled bags more
pleasant until you find a bin.
O TREATS.
O JACKET: For wet
or chilly weather.

17
ourdog.co.uk
www.yourdog.co.uk
VOICE ACTOR MARC SILK

A man of many voices

Marc Silk, the voice behind Scooby-Doo, Bob the Builder
in the USA, Danger Mouse, Aks Moe in ‘Star Wars’, and
many more, tells Joanne Bednall about the “magical” impact
his dog, Honey, has had on his life.

W
Top: In Marc’s studio hen he’s not working in
— Honey reacts best his Solihull recording
to the larger than life
character voices.
studio or performing
character voices in films,
Above: Marc and Honey animation, games, commercials,
at The Bakery. theme parks, and TV shows, Marc
Silk and his dog, Honey, can be
Right: Marc and
Honey have a very found browsing city art galleries
strong bond. or soaking up the peaceful
Images: Adrian Milledge. surroundings of nearby Hampton
Manor Bakery.
Although the Birmingham-
born voice actor is probably best
known for bringing Scooby-Doo
and his best pal Shaggy to life
in the UK, for Cartoon Network,
CITV, commercials, toys, and radio
interviews, this iconic canine
character is only a small part of
Marc’s impressive portfolio.
From providing clucks for the
Q Did you dream of working in
the entertainment industry
when you were young?
completely out of my comfort zone,
taking me from behind the scenes
to performing on a microphone. It
Aardman film ‘Chicken Run’ to A “I was always musical at school and was a revelation, bringing together
working with legendary played the piano from the age of music, comedy, writing, studio tech
filmmaker George Lucas in ‘Star seven. I didn’t want to be on stage. — I loved it!
Wars: Episode 1 — The Phantom I was more interested in working “At the time, my heroes were Mel
Menace’, Marc loves nothing behind the scenes — at a mixing Blanc (the voice of Bugs Bunny,
more than spending quality desk in a recording studio. Daffy Duck, and many other Warner
time with his beloved Beagle X “On a media course at school, Bros cartoon legends), Jim Henson
Chihuahua, Honey. I had to create a radio show. It was (‘The Muppets’ creator), Ben Burtt
18
Your Dog September 2023
Right: Young Honey
enjoying a stretch.
Far right: Marc with
baby Honey.
Below: Fast asleep.
Images: Marc Silk.
“From as early as I can remember,
dogs were a part of my family.”
(‘Star Wars’ sound designer), Freddie
Mercury, Billy Joel, Aretha Franklin,
Robin Williams, and Kenny Everett.”
Q What was your first big break?
A “I did work experience in
the record library at a local radio
station, BRMB, and used to sneak
into the studios to watch how
programmes were made. I learned
a lot by watching the engineers
create their worlds of sound.
I became a freelancer there earning
a massive £3.75 per hour! I produced
radio jingles, music, engineered
celebrity interviews, and created
sketches for the ‘Breakfast Show’.
“I saved up to buy my own
basic recording equipment, which
I set up on Mum and Dad’s dining
room table.
“My first big break in voice acting
was as a dodo in the animated TV
series ‘Rocky and the Dodos’ in the
late 1990s. The show was made
by Cosgrove Hall, the creators of
‘Danger Mouse’.
“Next, I auditioned for the
Aardman animation film ‘Chicken
Run’, with a range of clucks — a tired
chicken, a chicken walking down
the street, a nervous chicken,
a very nervous chicken, and chickens
clucking to the Frank Sinatra song
‘New York, New York’. That won it for
me and led to my third big break,
as Aks Moe in ‘Star Wars: Episode
1 — The Phantom Menace’, working
with George Lucas at the legendary
Abbey Road Studios — an incredibly
www.yourdog.co.uk
exciting, life-changing experience.”
Q How did you get to voice
Scooby-Doo?
A “I was brought in to perform and
promote Scooby-Doo for Warner
Bros in the late 1990s. I was a guest
on the BBC Radio 1 ‘Breakfast Show’
with Zoe Ball to judge listeners’
attempts at Scooby’s voice in
a week-long competition. I then
performed the voice of Scooby-Doo I get the chance to play it!”
and Shaggy in the UK for Cartoon
Network, CITV, toys, commercials,
and radio interviews.” Q What has been the secret to
Scooby-Doo’s success?
A “The show is funny and features
Q Were you ever lucky enough
to meet Don Messick, who
created Scooby-Doo’s voice
great characters and great stories.
It’s timeless and appeals to all ages,
from eight to 80 — it’s not just
in 1969? a throw-away cartoon.
A “I always loved Scooby-Doo and “Scooby-Doo has become part
watching the cartoons as a kid. Don of our popular culture and is still
was one of my heroes growing up. worn on T-shirts today — he’s that
He was also the voice of Muttley, cool! But underneath, the show is
the dog in ‘Wacky Races’, Boo-Boo in about a family unit with a dog
the Yogi Bear cartoons, and a stack — something we can all relate to.”
of others.
“I learned a lot watching
documentaries about Don so it was
a real privilege to meet him at the
Q Have you always loved dogs?
A “From as early as I can
remember, dogs were always a part
Animation Art Gallery in London of my family. We had cross-breeds
during the mid-1990s.” called Babs, Polly, and Lolly, although
they were really my dad’s dogs. Dad
Q Has it been daunting
following in Don’s footsteps?
would have loved Honey.”
A “For me, it’s about bringing
the character to life more than
trying to replicate Don’s voice.
Q How have you been able to
balance your hectic work
schedule with dog ownership?
It’s like playing an instrument. A “I had wanted a dog for years but
Don built Scooby’s voice while never thought it would be possible
19
VOICE ACTOR MARC SILK
while I was travelling so much for
work. But the turning point came
one day while I was in New York.
I saw the quality of life a dog could
have, despite living in a densely
Above: Marc says
Honey is “incredible”
with people.
populated city.
“Every few blocks, there were
dog parks with green spaces and
Image: Adrian Milledge.
secure double-gated runs. In
Madison Square Park, in the heart of
Manhattan, it was a real eye opener
to see dogs having fun in their own
space in a big city. They are part of
the fabric of a community. New York
showed me how special life could
really be with a dog.”
Q How did you come to
have Honey?
A “Eight years ago, I was in New
York when I heard that my brother’s
Beagle and Chihuahua had had
five puppies.
“It felt like the right time for me to
have a dog, so I went for a test drive!
When I first saw the litter, I reached
in, picked up two sleeping pups and
put them on my lap. The black one
continued to sleep, while the
honey-coloured one woke up,
walked up my tummy, and licked my
Right: Scooby-Doo is
chin — I had been chosen.
timeless and appeals to “I watched a lot of American dog
all ages, says Marc. trainer Zak George’s videos and
Your Dog September 2023
learned a lot about crate training
and separation anxiety — I wanted
Honey to feel safe and loved from
the start.”
Q Tell us a bit about Honey’s
character.
A “Honey is fun and so bright. She
loves trains, adventure, and tummy
tickles, and is incredible with people,
often picking up on their emotions.”
Q What’s Honey’s daily routine?
A “I wake up every morning
with Honey’s head on my hand and
her paw holding my thumb under
the duvet.
“We have breakfast and while
I take a shower, she goes back to bed
and there’s a Honey-shaped lump
under the duvet. While I’m drying my
hair, she lies on my foot, on her back,
with her legs in the air! What a way to
start the day.
“Then we go for a walk round the
village, or depending on my work
schedule, we might get the train into
the city. At weekends, we’ll go to one
of our favourite dog-friendly cafes
— The Bakery at Hampton Manor
or Faculty Coffee in Birmingham’s
Piccadilly Arcade — before calling
in to the Colley Ison Gallery in
Colmore Row.”
Q What sort of an impact has
Honey had on your life?
A “Honey and I bonded early on and
we are incredibly close. I exercise,
am healthier, and my life is magical
because of her — she’s such an
important part of my day. I meet and
talk to people I wouldn’t otherwise
— dogs are an immediate connector.
She’s turned people’s days around for
the better.
“Honey has joined me
as a visitor at Birmingham
Children’s Hospital, where
meeting Honey has made
a difference to patients,
carers, and families. She has
bonded with autistic children
and patients going through
chemotherapy.
“I have a better day
because of her, and she
has a pretty good
one because of
me! Being with
Honey makes me
very happy. You
can’t buy this
connection.”
20
023
Q
Q How does Honey react to all
your different voices, and
does she have a favourite?
A “When I’m recording in my studio,
it can be quite loud, but Honey just
carries on napping on the sofa next
to me.
“She reacts to larger than
life character voices, so enjoys
Grandmaster Glitch in ‘Go Jetters’,
and Captain Wayne Rigby from
‘Thunderbirds Are Go!’; she usually
tilts her head from side to side and
wags her tail.”
Q What’s next for you
and Honey?
A “I’m hosting a concert of
John Williams’ music from ‘Star
Wars’, performed by the Royal
Philharmonic Orchestra at the
Royal Albert Hall on October 22.
I plan to say hello to Honey from
the stage! My friend Liza will be
looking after her at home.
“I’ve thought about getting
a friend for Honey but I’m not sure
how she’d take to another dog
— she’s my number one.”
Talking talent
THE MANY VOICES
MARC PERFORMS
INCLUDE…
O Aks Moe in ‘Star Wars:
Episode 1 — The Phantom
Menace’.
O More than 30 characters in
‘Danger Mouse’.
O The Sorting Hat from
‘Harry Potter’, heard at
Universal Studios Hollywood
and Orlando, Warner Bros
Hollywood, The Harry Potter
Hollywoo
Exhibition, and Talking
Exhibitio
Sorting Hat merchandise.
O Grand
Grandmaster Glitch in
the BBC BAFTA nominated
‘Go Jetters’
Jette .
O Cluckin
Clucking chickens in
‘Chicken Run’.
O Bob tthe Builder (USA
and C Canada).
O CaCaptain Wayne
Rigby in ‘Thunderbirds
Rigb
Are Go!’.
O Co
Commander Cottontail
and C Chef Pierre in
Channel 5 Milkshake!
Chan
children’s programme
childr
‘Milo’.
‘Mi
Heart murmurs
in puppies
Have you been told by your vet during
your puppy’s health check that they
have a heart murmur?
Your vet can refer you to one of our Specialist Cardiologists
to do a number of tests such as an echocardiogram. This
echocardiogram will tell you whether this heart murmur is a
benign finding or secondary to a heart birth defect.
Two of the most common heart birth defects, called a patent
ductus arteriosus (PDA) and pulmonic stenosis (PS), can be treated with
keyhole surgery and usually have a very good outcome, giving the best
possible chances to your puppy.
Our Specialist Cardiologists will provide you with all the necessary
information on their findings to help you and your beloved puppy
in the best possible way.

DWR Veterinary Specialists is a state-of-the-art specialist

veterinary referral hospital in Cambridgeshire offering
multiple services for your pets all on one site.

OR E
T M
U
Our Specialist Cardiologists offer Puppy
O
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Station Farm, London Road, Six Mile Bottom, Cambridgeshire CB8 0UH
T 01638 572012 E reception@dwr.co.uk
dwr-vetspecialists.com
 IT’S A VET’S LIFE!
Right: Recruiting
young vets has
not been easy.

The challenges
ahead
Things have changed dramatically in the last few years and that
includes for vets and the veterinary profession. Vicky Payne
highlights some of the major issues.

T
his month’s article isn’t going to be all ‘woe is
me’ about the state of the veterinary profession
— but it is going to take a closer look at some of
the challenges the profession is facing.
Maybe the biggest challenge is retaining and recruiting
vets and vet nurses. Brexit and covid saw many European
colleagues returning home, and the drop-out rate for UK
vets is surprisingly high. Now life is returning to normal,
the European vets are returning, but without freedom of
ABOUT VICKY movement there is more paperwork and higher costs for
Holistic vet Vicky Payne the practices who employ them.
BVetMed MRCVS is
The UK has responded to the shortage of
based in East Sussex,
and qualified from home-grown vets by opening more vet schools, but it
the Royal Veterinary takes at least five years to become a qualified vet, and
College in 2001. She there are challenges in how we ensure these new vets
uses a range of
complementary are properly trained in practical skills. Traditionally we all
therapies alongside spent time ‘seeing practice’ (known as EMS — extra mural
conventional medicine studies) and would do consultations and operations
and surgery.
22
Your Dog September 2023
alongside qualified GP vets. Good EMS has become
harder to find, and can be expensive now less practices
have a practice flat to put a student up in.
The reasons we are losing vets and veterinary nurses
are complicated but include poor job satisfaction in
general practice, and the relatively low pay for the level
of stress and skill involved. Veterinary medicine has
a high proportion of women in all roles, and many take
career breaks to have a family and return part-time, or
find that the job really doesn’t gel well with family life and
seek employment in another field. Practices strive to offer
flexible working, but there are limits to how flexible they
can be and still meet client expectation for levels of care.
The day-to-day effect of veterinary team shortages
include practices reducing opening hours or closing
smaller branches altogether, longer waits to book routine
appointments such as vaccination or neutering, practices
not taking on new clients, and more clinics using
 Q
“I have serious concerns that
incorrect diagnoses will be made
when vets can’t see, touch, smell,
or take samples from a pet.”
Above: Vets are happy dedicated out-of-hours centres. Be kind if you encounter
to discuss budgets these issues; the practice team want to offer you exactly
and what owners can
what you want and are as disappointed as you are when
afford when choosing
effective but affordable they can’t. Recent reports of increased verbal abuse of
treatment and testing veterinary teams are simply unacceptable, and in my
for your dog. own practice we have even had threats of physical abuse,
which have resulted in police action!
Top right: Telemedicine
is popular with many
dog owners. BIG BENEFITS FOR CLIENTS
A big worry for many outside and inside the profession is
Below right: the rise in corporate practice ownership.
It’s become harder
I understand that it can be worrying when all the
to find young vets
good practical local practices are bought up by a huge, seemingly
training alongside profit-driven organisation, but I have seen big benefits
qualified GP vets. for practice teams and clients when things are done well.
Corporate groups can streamline management, leading
to savings that can be passed on to clients, and offer
benefits to teams that independent practices can’t. But
when vets lose clinical freedom or feel pushed to ‘upsell’
treatments and products that they don’t believe are
needed, then the model doesn’t work.
My husband’s practice is a joint venture, which allows
us clinical freedom but also the back room support of
a big group. It was the only affordable route into practice
ownership for us, as it is for many other vets. UK vets now
qualify with over £90,000 in tuition fees and living costs
debt. Paying that debt off with a junior vet’s salary,
saving for a home, and supporting a family leave little
to buy into a traditional partnership. There are however
encouraging ideas for different practice models including
subscription-based practices, staff owned practices, and
more gradual ways for partners to ‘buy in’.
Telemedicine is another thing we hotly debate over
our cups of tea! There is no doubt being able to speak to
a vet 24/7 for free, or a very small fee, is appealing to pet
23
www.yourdog.co.uk
owners, and lots of pet insurance companies have offered
phone or video triage for many years. The concerns are
over plans to offer a more complete diagnosis and
a prescribing service for pets by video call. I have serious
concerns that incorrect diagnoses will be made when vets
can’t see, touch, smell, or take samples from a pet.
Vets are always vigilant for emerging health problems,
and these can sometimes feel overwhelming! Any
veterinary conference will have lectures on new genetic
diseases, the challenges associated with certain breeds
and types of dog (such as brachycephalic or long-backed
dogs), and emerging ‘exotic’ diseases (as covered in last
month’s article).
KEEPING UP TO DATE
It can be a real struggle to stay on top of the latest advice
and the newest medicines. The challenge is made even
harder by the internet, and vets spend a lot of time trying
to counter misinformation and misunderstandings
that spread virally online. I secretly quite enjoy these
conversations as I have already looked at all the pros and
cons before recommending treatments to my clients, and
I actively encourage clients to research their dogs’ illnesses
and treatments, but I know my colleagues, especially the
more junior ones, can find clients who come armed with
‘data’ from ‘Dr Google’ intimidating.
Finally, we are as worried about spiralling costs as you
are! It will surprise many people to learn that veterinary
practices are high turnover but low profit businesses. And
much of that profit is ploughed back into equipment and
team training. Energy bills are a huge problem, and the
cost of drugs and supplies is increasing too. Vets are always
happy to discuss your budget when planning tests and
treatment, and we can usually find a way to make your
money go as far as possible to keep your dog well.
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 PRODUCT AWARDS

2024
Time to let us know about your favourite dog products.
Take part in the Your Dog Product Awards 2024 and
you could be the winner of a £50 Amazon voucher.

V
oting in the 2024 Your Dog Product Awards is
easy — just complete the entry form online at
www.yourdog.co.uk/product-awards
Readers who vote will be automatically entered into
our prize draw to win a £50 Amazon voucher and the
lucky winner will be picked at random after the closing
date for entries of October 16, 2023.
O For full competition terms and conditions, visit
www.warnersgroup.co.uk/competition-terms YOUR
THERE ARE 16 DIFFERENT CHANC
E TO
W
CATEGORIES IN THE YOUR DOG
PRODUCT AWARDS 2024:
O Best specialist food
O Best dry complete food
O Best wet food
IMA
A £50 A N
O Best raw food
O Best treat VO U C H Z ON
O Best health product
O Best interactive toy UK only
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O Best dog bed
O Best grooming product
O Best flea product (for pet)
O Best flea product (for home)
O Best insurance
O Best worming product
O Best pet tech product
O Online pet retailer
O Product you can’t live without
You don’t have to nominate a product for
every category, just fill in as many as you want to.

Vote online at www.yourdog.co.uk/product-awards

25
www.yourdog.co.uk
GREAT ESCAPES

Head for the beach!

Wherever you live in the UK you’re never more than 80 miles
from the sea — and what better destination for a day out, long
weekend, or a week’s holiday?

T
he UK has one of the longest
coastlines in Europe, with
Stunning around 17,800km for you
Balnakeil beach.
and your dog to explore. Whether
Right: The ruins of you’re looking for a windswept
Balnakeil Church. expanse or a sheltered cove,
check out six of our favourite
beaches here.

BALNAKEIL BEACH
If it’s spectacular and remote that
you’re hankering for, then the soft
powdery white sands of Balnakeil
Beach should fit the bill nicely.
Situated near the north-western
tip of the Scottish Highlands, the
wide, west-facing, crescent-shaped
beach is backed by large, marram
grass-covered dunes, which stretch
as far as the eye can see. Along with
the clear blue water lapping up
onto the beach, which just invites
you to take a paddle, it can be easy
to forget you are on the coast of
Scotland, and imagine you are in
some tropical paradise instead.
Adding to the wow features is the
backdrop provided by the beautiful
remains of historic Balnakeil Church,
and if you are making a day of it, the
magnificent sunsets, for which the
area is renowned, are well worth
lingering for.
O More info: visitscotland.com

Enjoy a day
out by the sea.

26
Your Dog September 2023
 BAMBURGH BEACH
Fans of Bernard Cornwell’s books and
their TV adaptations ‘The Last Kingdom’,
which follow the fortunes of Anglo
Saxon Uhtred, may be interested to see
the impressive real-life fortress (dogs
are allowed within the castle grounds)
at first hand, but the beach below is
well worth visiting for its own sake, and
your dog will love the chance to race
Right: The beach at around on the vast expanse of golden sand. Behind bring you to an area
Bamburgh below the
the beach are sand dunes and sandy hills, teeming with with plenty of rock
impressive castle
is a popular spot all sorts of fauna, flora, and insects. Looking out to sea, pools for you and your
with dog walkers. spot the Holy Island of Lindisfarne and further off, dog to investigate,
catch a glimpse of the Farne Islands, scene of the heroic and at Harkess Rocks
Right inset: The rescue of nine shipwreck survivors by Bamburgh-born (sometimes called the
monument
to Grace Darling
22-year-old Grace Darling in 1838, who is buried in the Stag Rocks) you can see Bamburgh Lighthouse, the most
in the churchyard village churchyard. northerly land-based lighthouse in England.
at Bamburgh. Heading in a northerly direction along the beach will O More info: www.visitnorthumberland.com

The open expanse of

HOLKHAM
Holkham sands. Film buffs may recognise the
glorious, open expanse of Holkham
Right: On the beach at Beach from the final scenes of the
Holkham at sunset. film ‘Shakespeare in Love’, and it’s just
as gorgeous in real life.
One of the most unspoilt beaches
in Norfolk, there are four miles of
dog-friendly sandy beach for your
dog to enjoy, which at low tide
stretches out for over a mile from paddling in the sea and scampering
entrance to sea. on the beach, cool off with a stroll
It is one of the few beaches in through the shady pine woods
Norfolk that permits dogs all year along the edge, which are great
round. Even on a busy day there for exploring. There is also a nature
is plenty of room for everyone, reserve, or you and your dog could
and it still retains a sense of peace take a walk together around the
and tranquillity. grounds of Holkham Hall.
When you’ve had enough of O More info: www.holkham.co.uk

THREE CLIFFS BEACH

Located on the Gower Peninsula
in South Wales, this is said to be
the favourite beach of Welsh opera
singer Katherine Jenkins, and it’s
easy to see why. With sand dunes
Above: The ruins to the rear and the three iconic
of Pennard Castle limestone cliffs that give the bay its
overlook the bay.
name rearing up over an expanse of
Right: Three Cliffs Bay sand, which has a freshwater stream
is on the beautiful running through it, it’s a beautiful
Gower Peninsula. beach. However, take care if you’re
planning a dip in the sea, as there
can be strong tides and currents.
This is one of the most
photographed beaches in Britain, so
be sure to take your camera along
to capture your own special views
and memories. There is a magical but possibly to its inhabitants. Inland being the haunt of fairies!
quality about the place, maybe not from the main beach is Pennard O More info: www.
due entirely to the stunning scenery, Castle, which has a reputation for visitswanseabay.com
27
www.yourdog.co.uk
GREAT ESCAPES

HAVERIGG BEACH sea wall to Millom, passing Hodbarrow Lighthouse along

Found at the mouth of the Duddon Estuary, you can
enjoy fantastic views from this secluded beach. The
Above: Fishing shingle gives way to a vast sweeping expanse of sand,
boats at Haverigg. heading out towards the Irish Sea and just perfect for
your dog to run around. It’s a tidal beach, so to get the
Above right: Taking most from your visit, check that it’s low tide before setting
a breather and
enjoying the
out. There are also lots of large sand dunes covered in sea
fantastic views on grasses, which your dog will have fun playing in, but it’s
Haverigg Beach. a great place for seaside walkies too. Follow the former
the way, one of only two in the UK constructed from
cast iron, before arriving at another lovely sandy beach.
Alternatively head along the beach towards Silecroft
when the tide is out, pausing near Haverigg Inshore
Rescue Station to admire the impressive stone sculpture
‘Escape to Light’, created by world famous sculptress
Josefina de Vasconcellos and dedicated to inshore rescue
crews across the nation.
O More info: www.visitlakedistrict.com

HENGISTBURY
HEAD
The unspoilt, south-facing shingle
and pebble beach, enclosed by
the cliffs of Hengistbury Head, is
a favourite with nature lovers and
walkers as well as dog owners.
In addition to being a nature
Looking down reserve, which is home to many
on the beach.
rare species, it is a site of both
Below: Exploring at national and international
Hengistbury Head. importance, and is scheduled
as a national monument;
well-behaved dogs are welcome
all year round.
If you want to learn more about
the area, the Hengistbury Dog
Walking Trail is a perfect way to do
it. Taking around an hour, it’s an
interactive walk with 10 stopping
points of interest.
From natterjack toads, skylarks,
and prickly saltwort to ancient
Bronze Age barrows, there’s
a fascinating and diverse mix
of subjects and areas. The trail
finishes with a stroll along the
sand dunes and out onto the
beach for a safe, fun, off-lead
run, with a paddle in the sea,
before heading off to the nearby
cafe for refreshments. As an
added attraction, you may
also enjoy a ride on the
dog-friendly Hengistbury
Land Train, which offers
scenic views of the coastline.
O More info: www.
visithengistburyhead.co.uk

28
Your Dog September 2023
 Q

TOP TIP!
Swap your dog’s PACK A BAG!
usual collar for If you are planning on making a day of it, take a beach bag for your dog with all the supplies he’ll need:
one that won’t water bowl, fresh, clean water, his own towel so you don’t have to share, a few toys (the sort that will float,
be damaged by and won’t pick up too much sand), poo bags, treats, pocket first aid kit, and dog-friendly suncream if your
salty seawater, dog needs protection.
although make
sure it also has
an ID disc. BEACH ETIQUETTE
Make sure you and other visitors
enjoy the perfect day out by
observing doggy beach etiquette.
O Don’t leave poo — it poses
issues for the beach, water, and
wildlife. Pick it up and dispose
of it responsibly. If you can’t see
a designated poo bin you can use
a general waste one.
O Beaches can be exciting places!
Keep an eye on your dog’s body
language and if he is becoming
over-aroused, move to a quieter
area to calm down.
O If there are other dogs around,
yours may be keen to go and play
with them. Ask the owners first
whether they are friendly before
“Respect other visitors; not
everyone is a dog lover... ”
letting him go and greet them.
If you are unsure as to whether
it will be safe for your dog to join
in and play, trust your instinct
and play safe, taking a detour
round them.
O Respect other visitors; not
everyone is a dog lover, so take care
yours doesn’t bother other people,
and make sure he doesn’t swoop in,
uninvited, on picnickers!
O Many beaches are also home
to wildlife; don’t let your dog
disturb shore nesting birds, seals,
and other creatures.
O Obey any signs requesting that
you put your dog on a lead in certain
areas — there’s usually a good
reason for it.
CHECKLIST
 Check whether the beach
you want to visit is open to
dogs. Although there are many
dog-friendly places, some may
implement summer bans on
dogs. These generally run from
the start of May until the end
of September and failure to
observe them could land you
with a fine.
 If you or your dog are
planning on taking a dip,
check the water quality before
venturing in — download
the free Safer Seas and Rivers
Service (SSARS) app or use the
interactive online map at www.
sas.org.uk
 Look up tide times: www.
tidetimes.org.uk lets you see
high and low predictions up to
seven days ahead.
 Find out what facilities are
available, such as dog-friendly
places to eat.

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you dog fetches
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mpanion.
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Escape to the beach. O Price: £13.99 (RRP)
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ck of three.
29
www.yourdog.co.uk
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 GIVEAWAYS

Freebies
Here’s your chance to win some fabulous prizes
— we’ve got 29 giveaways up for grabs.
POTS OF CALMING SUPPLEMENT
10VE
TO GIVE
Aviform’s Natural Calm for dogs is a powder supplement containing a blend of
essential amino acids, L-tryptophan, and L-tyrosine, involved in the production
of serotonin and dopamine, which help to reduce aggression and stress while
AWAY
Y working synergistically together.
Added ingredients are lemon balm extract and passion flower for calming and
relaxation, and taurine, which helps to soothe the nervous system.
Natural Calm can be used for potentially stressful occasions such as being left
alone at home, car travel, fireworks, thunderstorms, or just everyday
y y anxietyy and
stress. We have 10 pots to give away to readers.
O For more information, visit www.aviform.co.uk
or call 01953 528008.

‘GAME ON PUPPY!’ BOOKS

6
TO GIVE
Looking for a comprehensive, fun, and effective guide to training your new puppy or dog?
Look no further than the puppy training manual from the founders of Absolute Dogs
— Dr Tom Mitchell, world-renowned vet and clinical animal behaviourist, and Lauren
AWAY Langman, Crufts winner and one of the UK’s most successful dog trainers. ‘Game On Puppy!’
leads you through everything you need to know using the authors’ unique
games-based approach, all backed up by the latest science.
O For more information, visit www.quercusbooks.co.uk

PET BLANKETS
10
TO GIVE
We have 10 medium-sized, cosy, soft,
personalised Mr Mole blankets up for grabs. These ese machine washable
blankets are the perfect, practical pet accessory; use them in your dog’s bed,
AWAY on a chair or sofa, in the car, or — for very lucky dogs — over a bed! Each
blanket can be personalised with the name of your choice (to a maximum of
12 letters).
O For more information, visit www.mrmoleblankets.co.uk

PACKS OF TASTY TOPPERS

3
TO GIVE
Many dog owners enjoy the convenience of a complete dry food, but
they still like to add a little something to create interest and moisture in
their dog’s meal. However, processed meat, leftovers, and other human
AWAY foods can contain high levels of salt, unexpected calories, and other
ingredients not suitable for a dog’s diet. Fish4Dogs has an extensive range of
complementary wet cans to liven up mealtimes, with fish as the only animal
protein, and made from grain-free recipes containing no added artificial
colours or flavours. We have packs of tasty toppers to give away to three
lucky readers, with each pack containing 36 cans in three different flavours.
O For more information, visit www.fish4dogs.com/ydfreebies

HOW TO ENTER
For your chance to win these fabulous prizes, enter online by visiting www.yourdog.co.uk/freebies, quote the code STB06BTS,
and follow the instructions on screen. The closing date for entries is September 15, 2023 (UK only). Please note, you can enter
online from August 3, 2023. For full competition terms and conditions, visit www.warnersgroup.co.uk/competition-terms

31
www.yourdog.co.uk
SCENT WORK

Below: Scenting
is worthwhile for
dogs of all types,
sizes, and ages.

YOUR ACTIVE DOG

Stimulating, enriching, and fun — scent work could be the
ideal activity for you and your dog, says Jacqueline Boyd.
DID YOU

H
umans are very visual creatures. We tend to
KNOW? rely on sight to help us navigate, find each
Encouraging other, identify potential mates, locate food,
your dog to use and obtain information about the world around us.
his nose can be On the other hand, our dogs tend to rely on their
a great way to sense of smell to learn about their environment.
add enrichment Scent can tell them who or what has been around,
and even help dogs maintain relationships with each other, as
relaxation to his well as locate sources of food and water.
daily routine. While it is often discussed how dogs have an
exceptional olfactory capability compared to other
species, we are continuing to learn more about
how dogs scent, and explore ways in which we can
harness their specialised skills, even in situations
such as detecting disease. Notably, scent work is also
something that our companion dogs can take part in
and is an increasingly popular, fun training activity
for dogs and people alike.
Could working with your dog’s sense of smell be
something you might like to explore? Let’s consider
the power of the sniff and how this activity might be
stimulating, enriching, and fun for you both.

“The impressive scenting ability

of dogs has been linked to their
domestication and the success
of the human-dog relationship.”

32
Your Dog September 2023
Top right: Snuffle mats THE NOSE KNOWS
will teach your dog The impressive scenting ability of dogs has been
to use his nose to
locate food.
linked to their domestication and the success of
the human-dog relationship. Because humans
Below right: A dog are significantly less skilled in acquiring and then
trained to locate illegal responding to scents, dogs would have aided hunting
substances in luggage.
and food-finding expeditions. Even nowadays, the nose
power of working gundogs is critical in locating game
— a skill that can occasionally come as a surprise to
anyone living with a companion gundog breed!
We have exploited canine nose power in a range of
DID YOU capacities, including crime and evidence detection
KNOW? locating illicit or dangerous substances, and as medical
Dogs do need detection aids. One characteristic of the canine
to be trained to olfactory capability is that dogs can detect chemical
detect specific compounds at incredibly low concentrations with a high
odours such degree of accuracy. When it comes to the recognition
as explosives and discrimination of specific odours, highly trained
or illicit detection dogs can reach almost 100 per cent success
substances, but rates — sometimes faring even better than highly
once trained, specialised odour detection machinery.
they can What is also significant for our dogs is that not only
detect them at are they good at using their noses, but they also enjoy
incredibly low it. Dogs love to sniff and as well as being an enriching
concentrations. activity, it can help to relax, calm, and focus them too.
Because all dogs have the ability to sniff, it is an activity other easily accessible surface, makes for an amazing
Dogs have that caters for all breeds/types, ages, shapes, and sizes, ‘find it’ game for dogs from which you can build more
about 30 per making scent work a perfect activity for even younger, complex sniffing skills.
cent more older, or less physically able dogs than some other
genes for scent activities such as agility or obedience. WHAT ABOUT MANTRAILING?
detection Mantrailing is a slightly more specialised activity where
receptors HOW TO GET INVOLVED IN SCENT WORK your dog takes you on the hunt for a ‘misper’ (missing
than humans, Scent work is increasingly offered in many training person); it is best started with clear guidance and
highlighting classes and workshops, making it easily accessible to supportive instruction. However, it is an activity that
their superior many. Even some puppy classes offer scent work as appeals to a wide range of dogs and people; a skill that
sniffing skills. a fun way to start working with your dog and make has amazing progression potential and can be done
training fun and rewarding too. Much basic scent work in a range of environments, from shopping centres to
training starts by encouraging your dog to ‘look’ for woodlands. You’ll need your walking shoes on as you
a piece of food or a favourite toy, using their nose. can cover significant distances, but it is a great activity
A piece of cheese squashed onto a low wall, chair, or to take part in with your dog. It not only builds and

Right: Mantrailing is
a great activity for
you and your dog
to take part in.

33
www.yourdog.co.uk
SCENT WORK
“I went from incredible pride at
her scenting skills to complete
embarrassment within seconds.”
deepens your relationship but is also dependent on you
both having confidence in each other.
DID YOU SOCIAL SNIFFING!
KNOW? A common theme with any scent work activity is that
A dog’s olfactory there is a fabulous social aspect to the training, for dogs
epithelium and people alike. You get to meet like-minded people
in their nose and their dogs, but scent work is also often ideal for
covers about dogs who might be worried or less sociable around
150cm2 other dogs, as the ‘work’ is generally undertaken on an
compared to individual basis. This means that dog and handler can be
a human’s of more relaxed and enjoy what they are doing safely, even
about 5cm². when undertaking an otherwise social activity.
DEVELOPING SNIFFING SKILLS
If you fancy having a go at scent work, look for
a class or instructor who will help you start simply,
but with a clear reward base. This means that your
dog is successful and gets rewarded for his success
quickly. This is key to building your dog’s motivation to
detect the source of scent and then indicate in a clear
and consistent manner. You will then develop your
dog’s indication skills. If you have competitive or even
working ambitions, developing a clear indication for
odour is critical for the success of you and your dog as
Above right:
Cocker Spaniel Dotty a partnership.
indicates she has Passive indications are where your dog ‘freezes’ and
found what she’s been holds position without touching the source of the scent.
searching for. This might involve a sit, a down, or even just a very
Below: Dogs find
focused freeze and is typically seen when the source of
sniffing hugely the scent might be dangerous or is an item that should
rewarding. not be contaminated by touch. Active indications might
34
Your Dog September 2023
Q
involve your dog retrieving, barking, pawing, or nosing
at the source of scent. One of my own dogs once ate
a truffle after a fabulous search and indication during
a training workshop. I went from incredible pride at
her scenting skills to complete embarrassment within
seconds. Luckily, she was none the worse for her ‘reward’,
but this is not an ideal form of indication for any scent
work dog!
SNIFFING AT HOME
You can even do very basic scent work at home, looking
for food or a favourite toy. Snuffle mats are a great way
to start to encourage your dog to use his nose to locate
food. Scatter feeding is a simple way to add olfactory
enrichment to your dog’s world and is easily done by
throwing some dried food, grated cheese, or similar over
a clean surface; your lawn can be an ideal place, just be
aware of potential disease risks and avoid areas where
your dog might urinate or defecate!
However you approach scent work, remember that it
should be fun and that your dog has an amazing ability
to detect, locate, and respond to scent. You can both
have a lot of fun incorporating scent work into your
activity portfolio, while also working with your dog’s
inherent super-sniffer skills.
SHOPPING

Suss out these super shopping suggestions for September.

FAIR PLAY
Unique pet toy brand GiGwi’s
high-quality balls, tugs, and flyers
are made from tough thermoplastic
SNACK ATTACK! dairy products, artificial colours, or rubber (TPR), which can withstand
British pet food brand Arden Grange added sugars. even the strongest of dogs.
has introduced soft snacks to its O Key feature: These grain-free Perfect for your dog to pick
range of hypo-allergenic wet and treats are suitable as a training up and play tug with, the GiGwi
dry dog food and premium treats. aid or a healthy reward between Jumball is an extra durable basket
Containing fresh meat and meals for all dogs and puppies ball with a handle.
a blend of nutrient-rich superfood aged over eight weeks. The versatile Flying Tug has ridges
ingredients, selected for their O Flavours: Ocean white fish and on its surface to give a good grip,
excellent antioxidant properties, potato; chicken & superfoods; making it perfect for use as a Frisbee
these irresistible training treats help duck & superfoods; lamb & or chew toy, or for playing tug.
support canine joints and digestion. superfoods. Made from a unique double rope
Highly palatable and easily O Price: £1.99 (per 80g pouch). structure carefully hidden inside to
digested, they’re ideal for dogs with O Available from: increase durability, GiGwi’s Iron Grip
dietary allergies or intolerances, as All good pet shops and plush toys feature a comfortable
they contain no wheat gluten, soya, www.ardengrange.com handle for owners to hold while
playing tug, and a squeaker to
further engage dogs’ attention.
BUG BITE RESPITE O Key feature: GiGwi is
Provide your dog with immediate relief from irritation and redness caused by reinventing playtime so dogs and
flea and tick bites, thanks to this new product. their owners can share magical
Boasting a unique blend of ingredients to moisturise and nourish canine moments together.
skin, the TropiClean Flea and Tick Bite Relief Spray not only stops itchiness and O Prices: From £5.99 – £24.99.
irritation quickly, but helps restore dry, inflamed skin naturally. O Available from: Amazon,
This gentle, targeted formula includes soothing colloidal oatmeal, all good pet shops,ps, and www.
vitamin E for locking in moisture, provitamin B5 to protect skin from water justforpets.co.uk k
loss, strengthen the coat and reduce breakage, and hydrolysed wheat protein
to condition and soften.
O Key feature: Fragrance-free TropiClean Flea and Tick Bite Relief Spray
does not contain any artificial colours, pyrethrin or permethrin.
O Price: £11.99 (236ml).
O Available from: All good retailers, Just for Pets, and Amazon.
36
Your Dog September 2023
 Image: Kirsty McKeon.
Q

A GOOD CATCH
Sustainable dog brand Tangle has
added a bowl to its innovative range
of quality products crafted from
end-of-life fishing nets.
A perfect addition to any home,
the durable Tangle Dog Bowl is
stylish, tough, lightweight, puncture
resistant, and eco friendly.
Made for all breeds, it features
PET SMART recyclable packaging. a non-slip ring and weighted base
Inspired by Japan’s fresh food and O Flavours: Plant-based: Jump and holds 967ml/535oz of water,
healthy diets, Eduardo Salazar and and Run (with carrots, coconut kibble, or prime cuts.
Julio Guijarro have launched Petto oil, and turmeric) for joint care; O Key feature: Designed in
Smart Nutrition — to improve dogs’ Kiss Me Again (with peppermint, Britain and made in France, each
lives and help protect the planet. sweet potato, and blueberry) dishwasher-safe bowl boasts
Based in the UK, the company’s to tackle bad breath. Plant a unique green marble effect
first range consists of four varieties and insect-based: Take It Easy and a Tangle logo on the front,
of plant-based treats, each with (with crickets, camomile, and a reminder that you and your dog
a specific health benefit. pumpkin) to calm and relax; Let’s are helping to save marine life.
Containing no meat, Petto’s treats Do It (with crickets, cashews, and O Price: £29.99 (including p&p).
for adult dogs boast top-quality, cranberries) for an energy boost. O Available from: www.
human-grade, high-protein plant O Price: £3.95 (per 100g bag); tanglemission.com
and insect recipes. £17.75 (for a bundle of six
O Key feature: Petto Smart mixed flavours). STEPPING UP TO THE MARK
Nutrition’s healthy, natural, and O Available from: Amazon, Pets Natural pet-care brand WildWash
hypo-allergenic dog Corner, independent retailers has created the ultimate solution
treats come in eco-friendly, and at https://pettofoods.com for removing tear stains from dogs
gently and effectively.
Made in England, WildWash Tear
Stain Remover for Dogs is enriched
with vitamins and infused with
carefully selected botanicals, such
as organic aloe vera — a natural
cleansing agent — to flush out
impurities and exfoliate, as well as
camomile and gardenia ‘Florida’ to
lighten skin naturally.
Over four to six months, this
revolutionary solution gradually
eliminates the unsightly marks under
dogs’ eyes, and prevents further tear
stain build-up.
build u
O Key feature:
f Offering an
holistic approach to pet
CLEANING UP care, all
a WildWash products
Part of a new range of cordless vacuum cleaners from Tower Housewares, s, the avoid harsh chemicals and
VL70 model’s anti-tangle tech makes it perfect for picking up pet hair. artifi
arti cial additives, are
Boasting powerful 11kpa suction, a 75cm flexi pole, and a 1-litre dust naturally
na pH balanced,
tank, this 29.6V Li-ion DC motored vacuum has an anti-tangle floor head,, and
an use 100 per cent
which prevents hair build-up around its integrated 3-in-1 brush bar. essential
e oils. No
A touch power mode allows the user to adjust suction, while an F8 product
p or ingredient
multi cyclonic filter system, coupled with a secondary anti-allergy is
i tested on animals.
HEPA-12 filter, digs out deeply embedded dust. Suitable for all types O Price: £19.95
of flooring, the VL70 Flexi Anti Tangle model also transforms into (300ml).
(
a handheld vacuum, ideal for cleaning staircases, cars, and upholstery. O Available from:
O Key feature: Features a run time of up to 40 minutes from https://wildwash.co.uk/
h
a single charge; comes complete with crevice and upholstery tools.. shop/dog/eyes-dog/
s
O Price: £109.99. spa-tear-stain-remover-
s
O Available from: www.towerhousewares.co.uk for-dogs-300ml
fo
37
www.yourdog.co.uk
 2023 DATES CONFIRMED
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 GET IN TOUCH

Have your say!

The place to share your news and tell us what you think.
Send us a picture
and tell us all
about your Happy travellers
dog; share your

M
y dog, Mia, is a little Jack Russell with a big
views on what’s heart. I got her from a neighbour in Cape
happening in the Town, South Africa, 14 years ago.
dog world and the Mia was a support dog from the beginning. My
ups and downs of existing dog, a mixed Bull Terrier and Shar Pei, Moana
dog ownership; Lisa, was going through a bad time as her other older
what do you think sister and brothers had all passed away in a very short
of our features period of time. I watched as she got more and more
and content depressed, not eating or playing like before.
and what would Our neighbour’s dog had four puppies and we
you like to see asked if we could have the only female. Mia was ours
more of? within an hour of being born, and we were smitten.
This is the place The usual wait to get her home took forever, but We landed in Lisbon in November
to be if you want eventually she was there. Moana Lisa took to her like 2020 after a 22-hour flight via
to reach out to a balloon to air. She was completely transformed, and Frankfurt, and we are loving it. We
other Your Dog the two were inseparable. Long walks on beaches stayed here for two months during
readers and the in Cape Town were followed by long walks on Table Portugal’s covid lockdown, then
magazine team to Mountain, always together. moved up north to my mother’s
share your love of Eventually, we lost Moana Lisa and Mia was village for two years, where Mia was soon a celebrity
everything dog. devastated. She looked all over the house and the as her good manners and cheery disposition won over
Get in touch! beaches and the mountains for her buddy. It broke my the hardy rural villagers.
heart. I had to relocate to Joburg. The move did her She came with me when I worked in the vineyards
good, and she soon settled down. As I was homeless as a farmhand, impressing everyone with her good
up there, I bought a motorhome just as covid struck behaviour. I only recently moved back to Lisbon and
South Africa. We stayed in a friend’s garden for started a new career as a tour guide. Although Mia is
Top: Mia with a while, during which time another friend of mine did allowed on trains and ferries, she can’t come with me
Moana Lisa in a Tarot reading for me, and up came travel, a river, and as she is now 14 and walking is a bit of a mission for
Cape Town,
a castle on a hill... Lisbon, capital of Portugal! her. We still go out a lot, to the nearby park and the
South Africa.
My passport was done in about a month, but we Costa da Caparica, and just recently we went for
Inset: The 14-year-old had to wait almost eight months for Mia’s titre test a long walk in a beautiful fossil forest in Almada.
still enjoys her outings. results and subsequent papers of emigration. Clara Correia, Lisbon.

BRIEFLY… OUT OF CONTROL socialise their dogs. What’s more,

Just a query — I read your
magazine regularly and very much
enjoy it but looking back as far
as 2018, there are no Beagles on
your front cover. There are plenty
of Labradors and pretty fluffy dogs
but not one beautiful Beagle!
I’ll keep reading and looking out
for one…
Below: For all you Maureen Warke, via email.
Beagle fans!
ED’S NOTE: Thanks for getting in
touch Maureen — point taken!
Do any other readers have
a favourite breed they’d like to
see on the cover? Let us know!
I’m writing in response to ‘The Big
Issue’ a letter from Carly Meadows,
which asked what are the biggest
threats to our dogs nowadays.
Sadly, there are now too many dog
owners who have little or no control
over their dogs, leading to many
negative, and in many cases harmful,
encounters. Walks are becoming
less enjoyable due to this sad rise
in irresponsibility.
Undoubtedly lockdown has had
a big impact due to many people
becoming dog owners for the first
time and not having the opportunity,
or sadly the incentive, to train and
too many people are getting
dogs who are totally unsuitable
for their lifestyles. Added to this,
there is a woeful ignorance of dog
control law.
My own Greyhound (on lead)
was recently attacked by an off-lead
Rottweiler — generally a lovely
placid breed — whose owner
showed no remorse and walked
away, still not putting her dog on
a lead. This is becoming the norm
and will not change without tougher
legislation, both nationally and at
local level.
J. Coley, Leicestershire.

39
www.yourdog.co.uk
 7RSTXDOLW\SURGXFWVWRKHOS
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ME AND MY DOG
Howard the healer
Sales rep turned children’s author Mark Taylor tells
Joanne Bednall how his Bearded Collie, Howard,
rescued him from rock bottom and transformed his life.
W
Above: Mark during ith his knuckles white
a book signing. from gripping the car
steering wheel, Mark
Right: Howard
with Annette. Taylor leaned forward and closed
his eyes, only for a second, to
review the decision he had
just made.
With his life in turmoil due to
family and work issues, the building
supplies sales rep had resolved to
end it all.
Mark, from near Guildford in
Surrey, had been tipped over the
edge by the pressure of sales, and
concern about his elderly mum’s
dementia and deteriorating health.
Revving his car engine, the
59-year-old planned to drive at
speed straight into a brick wall.
“But two things saved me that
day,” explained Mark, recalling that
near-fateful morning early in 2021.
“The first was taking a moment
to rest my head on the steering
wheel, and the second was a person
tapping on the windscreen.”
Looking up, Mark was surprised to
Your Dog September 2023
see a familiar face staring
back at him. Despite the man
wearing a postman’s uniform,
Mark recognised him as Gary,
an old schoolfriend.
“Are you all right, mate?” Gary
asked, concerned, as Mark wound
down the driver’s window.
Gary’s timely intervention
prompted Mark to go home and
finally open up to his long-term
partner, Annette.
“I’d been under a lot of pressure
but being a typical bloke, refused to
talk about my problems,” said Mark.
“I felt I should just ‘man up’ and
bury everything, but all this stress
made me very irritable and sent my
anxiety through the roof.
“Gary saved my life, and I feel
quite emotional thinking how close
42
I came. But I know now it wasn’t my
time to go.”
After confessing how much he’d
been struggling, Mark sat down with
Annette and they cried together.
“Before, talking had felt like
a weakness but the weakness is
not talking,” continued Mark, who
booked an appointment with his
GP and handed his notice in the
next day.
“From this point on, Annette
took charge of my recovery. It was
her decision to get a dog — ‘you
need a puppy’ she told me in no
uncertain terms.”
The couple had previously owned
Bearded Collies Flo and Billy, but
after Billy died aged 17, five years
before, Mark couldn’t face the
heartbreak of losing another dog.

“Howard has helped heal
me and show there’s a way
out of the darkness.”
Above: Mark says But Annette had other ideas, and
he and Annette started to research Bearded Collie
struck gold when they
breeders in their local area. After
picked Howard.
finding and viewing a litter in West
Right: Having Howard Sussex, she sent a photo of the
helped Mark to smallest male pup with a splash of
concentrate his mind. white on his nose — and Mark knew
he was ‘the one’.
“‘Mr Lonely’ was sitting in the
corner on his own and I fell in love
with him there and then,” admitted
Mark, who felt an instant connection
with the four-week-old pup.
When the pair went to see the
litter, the same pup ran up to Mark
and licked him on the nose.
“Having Howard helped
concentrate my mind,” continued
Mark, who brought the pup home
just before the pandemic hit.
As soon as restrictions were
lifted, the trio headed off on
a much-needed break to a cottage
in West Wittering, one of Mark’s
favourite destinations. One day,
while sitting on the verandah, Mark
started writing anecdotes about
a local cricket club he had formed,
but he was distracted by the playful
pup and his amusing antics.
“Howard sparked an idea for
www.yourdog.co.uk
a children’s book helping three- to
seven-year-olds understand the
importance of love, kindness, and
sustainability,” continued Mark, who
spent a couple of hours fleshing out
a storyline, focusing on his central
canine character travelling through
‘Pawsland’ and solving an ecological
problem in each place.
On his return from holiday, Mark
started researching self-publishing
options and illustrators, finally
connecting with a talented artist via
a Bearded Collie forum.
Soon ‘Howard of Pawsland on his
Magical Journey to Whistledown’
was ready to be published through
Amazon. But first, Mark wanted to
wrap up a first edition as a birthday
gift for his granddaughter Elaya.
“Annette sent me up the road to
a shop that had recently opened
because she’d heard you could
design your own wrapping paper
there,” explained Mark.
“But as it turned out, they publish
train books instead. Just as I was
about to leave, the woman behind
the counter asked why I wanted the
wrapping paper, so I explained about
the book. ‘Can you put a train in the
story?’ she asked.
“‘Only if it’s sustainable!’ I laughed.
‘Then you’ve got 24 hours,’
she replied.”
Incredulously, Mark’s research
uncovered a train in America that
runs on recycled cooking oil, so he
duly added this to the story and
submitted it the next day.
A few days later, Mark received
a call inviting him to a meeting with
the head of publishing at Middleton
Press. He was astounded to be
Howard of Pawsland
‘Howard of Pawsland on his Magical Journey to Whistledown’, ‘Howard
of Pawsland on his Magical Train Journey to Tastlybud’ and ‘Howard of
Pawsland Saves Fishlypool’, by Mark Taylor, are available in hardback
priced at £11.99 – £12.95, from Amazon, www.waterstones.com
www.whsmith.co.uk and www.middletonpress.co.uk
43
Q
offered a six-book deal, and couldn’t
believe he actually replied: “I’ll think
about it…”
When he got home, Annette
stared open-mouthed at his
response, telling him: “Well, get back
there now, and say you’ve thought
about it — and the answer’s ‘yes!’”
Mark ran back to the office,
and immediately signed the deal.
Already, three books have been
published, with outlines firmly in
place for the remaining three.
“It’s been quite a journey!”
laughed Mark, whose dream
is to see ‘Howard of Pawsland’
turned into an animated series.
“The whole process has been
cathartic — I always enjoyed writing
at school but thought only ‘clever
bods’ became authors — never
someone like me.
“But more importantly, Howard
has helped heal me and show there’s
a way out of the darkness. He got me
walking and talking to people, and
makes me smile every day — I love
that boy so much.
“We’ve really struck gold with this
dog and I don’t know what I’d do
without him. I still google ‘Howard
of Pawsland by Mark Taylor’ because
I still can’t quite believe I am now
a published author in my 50s!”
THE PEMBROKESHIRE COAST
Somet hing
FOR EVERYONE!
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park may be small but it
more than makes up for its size with its stunning coastline.
Elizabeth Denholm finds out more.
L
Below: Pembrokeshire ying on the south-west tip
offers some spectacular of Wales, the Pembrokeshire
views.
Coast National Park was
designated a national park in
1952, thanks to its 260 miles of
spectacular coastline which, if its
entire length is walked, involves
a rise and fall of over 35,000
feet — greater than the height of
Below: Keep dogs on
leads near the cliffs.
Mount Everest!
Image: Eric and At nearly 240 square miles it is
Mary Ellen/Flickr. one of the UK’s smallest national
parks and covers almost all the
Pembrokeshire Coast, every
offshore island, the Daugleddau
estuary, and large areas of the
Preseli Hills and the Gwaun Valley.
It is also home to more Blue Flag
beaches than any other county in
the country.
Pembrokeshire is different from
other national parks because it is
split into four areas with no part
of the park more than 10 miles
from the sea.
The park is also home to
St David’s, which is officially
the UK’s smallest city thanks
Your Dog September 2023
to its magnificent cathedral.
The park offers a huge variety
of walks, from coast paths and
beaches to forest trails and hills,
so there’s something for every
dog walker. All paths in the
national park are waymarked.
PENALLY CLIFFS
Penally is a village two miles
south-west of Tenby on the south
coast of Pembrokeshire.
A moderately strenuous
two-and-a-half-mile circular walk
passes through Penally MoD range,
which has been used for military
training since 1860. Today the
land is also managed for nature
conservation by the National Park
Authority in partnership with the
Ministry of Defence.
The range is used for live firing
exercises so there is an alternative
route to follow when live firing is
in progress.
This route is worth exploring
as it leads to a unique First World
War practice trench system used
44
to train troops being sent to war in
France. This is believed to be the
only complete surviving example in
the UK.
This circular walk starts at Penally
Station car park where there are
public toilets. Turn right out of the
car park and walk as far as a fork in
the path.
If there is live firing, take the right
fork before the dunes and head in
a straight line to the coast path.
If there is no live firing, follow the
left fork across the golf links to the
beach and then up the steep steps
to the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.
This is the perfect spot to stop and
enjoy the stunning views from Giltar
Point with Lundy Island visible on
a clear day.
The limestone cliffs here are
home to a variety of birds, including
fulmars, razorbills, gulls, and the
aerobatic red-legged choughs.
Follow the coast path for
one-and-a-quarter miles until you
reach a footpath, which leads sharp
right across the fields. Continue

Above: The view from across the A4139, past a caravan site
Penally Cliffs.
on the right, then on reaching the
Above right: Stunning
views from Giltar Point. road, turn right and follow it back to
Image: Ihourahane/Flickr. the car park.
A popular spot for BROAD HAVEN
a day by the sea. AND HAROLDSTON
Right: Haroldston
WOODS
Woods are home to
The picturesque village of Broad
a variety of wildlife. Haven lies on the west coast and
has been a firm favourite with
visitors and locals since the early
1800s. It continues to be a popular
spot for a day beside the sea, and
can get busy at peak times.
This moderately strenuous walk
is just over three miles long with
some steep sections and steps. The
walk includes Haroldston Woods,
a rare stretch of coastal woodland,
which is home to a wide variety of
wildlife, including badgers, bats,
and slow worms.
Start at Millmoor Way car park
and walk back to the B4341. Turn
right and follow the road towards
the coast, then turn right up
www.yourdog.co.uk
CAUTION…
You will need to take
the short cut during live
firing exercises, which will be
indicated by signs and a red
flag flying. Call 01646 662412
for details of firing and path
closure. If your dog
is sensitive to loud noises,
you may find it better to
choose another walk.
Haroldston Hill to join the coast
path where, on a fine day, the
islands of Ramsey and Skomer
are visible.
Follow the coast path past the
Harold Stone, a standing stone path back to the starting point.
dating back to the Bronze Age, For the longer walk, turn left up
which is visible from the path but is towards St Madoc of Ferns church.
located in a private garden. There has been a church on this
A short distance after the Harold site for nearly 1,500 years and,
Stone, take the path on the right although it was rebuilt in 1883,
and follow this to Haroldston parts of the medieval walls
Cottages, crossing over Haroldston were retained.
Hill. The walk can be shortened The footpath turns right just
by taking the right turn down before the church. Walk down
through the woods to follow the
“Broad Haven has been
a favourite with visitors and
locals since the early 1800s.”
45
THE PEMBROKESHIRE COAST
Above: Enjoying a stroll
Timber Hill to where the path meets
on Broad Haven beach.
a lane near Belmont Farm. Turn right
Image: Visit Wales.
and follow the lane past Belmont
Barn, then turn sharp left and
continue on the path until it reaches
Long Lane. Turn right and follow the
lane back to Broad Haven.
The walk doesn’t have any stiles
but be sure to keep your dog on
a lead on the coastal path where
there are cliffs.
Minwear Woods is near the head
of the tidal section of the Eastern
Cleddau River where walkers
can see heron and kingfishers as
well as woodland birds including
long-tailed tits, great spotted
woodpeckers, and treecreepers.
It is five miles west of Narberth
near Blackpool Mill. Regular
buses run between Carmarthen,
Haverfordwest, and Narberth,
stopping at Canaston Bridge.
Starting at Minwear Woods
car park is an easy one-and-a-
half-mile waymarked circular walk
on woodland paths. Walk down
the track out of the car park and
continue along it. Look out for
a waymark post indicating a path to
a viewpoint to the right. Follow this
path for a spectacular view over the
floodplains of the Cleddau Estuary.
There is a steep drop so ensure dogs
are on a lead.
Return to the original path and
continue following the path, which
takes a circuitous route through
the woods, eventually meeting up
with the original track back to the
car park.
The nearby Canaston Woods also
offer lovely dog walks as well as the
chance to see the historic Mounton
Chapel and Blackpool Mill. Parking
is at a small car park at the Canaston
Bridge roundabout.

MINWEAR WOODS
Located in the centre of the national
Right: There are park, Minwear Woods and Canaston
spectacular views Woods are ancient woodlands
of the tidal river where trees were harvested and the
at Minwear. wood was used for ship building, pit
Below: An
props, and made into charcoal. Oak
easy walk through bark was also gathered and used to
Minwear Woods. tan leather.

“...walkers can see heron

and kingfishers as well
as woodland birds...”

46
Your Dog September 2023

“There are lots of routes
to choose from, of varying
degrees of difficulty...”
Above: There are PANTMAENOG
eight miles of forest Located in the northern part of
tracks to explore.
the Pembrokeshire Coast National
Above right: Park, Pantmaenog is a privately
Horse riders and owned forest situated near the
cyclists also use the village of Rosebush. The forest
forest paths so keep and surrounding hills are home to
your dog under control.
kestrels, buzzards, and red kites.
The National Park Authority has
agreed with the forest’s landowner
to provide public access to eight
miles of forest tracks and paths,
which are used by cyclists and horse
riders as well as walkers, so keep
dogs on leads and under control.
There are lots of routes to choose
from, of varying degrees of
difficulty, with some steep ascents
offering panoramic views of the
Preseli Hills.
A longer five-mile circular walk
climbs Foel Cwmcerwyn which, at
1,759ft, is the highest summit in the
Preseli Hills and has far-reaching
panoramic views.
www.yourdog.co.uk
Q
Continue north from the summit
and aim for the far end of the forest.
Turn left down the downhill path
for around half a mile to the ridge at
Bwlch Pennant, then turn left down
the path, which heads due south,
and continue descending through
the forest for just under two miles to
the car park.
Refreshments are available at
the dog-friendly Tafarn Sinc, a cosy
community run pub in Rosebush.
Be prepared!
O Dog walkers are asked to
keep dogs on a lead and under
control at all times to prevent
disturbance to wildlife and
livestock. Uncontrolled dogs
can injure or kill animals and
wildlife, and it is against the law
to allow your dog to disturb or
chase them.
O Mobile phone coverage can
Park in the Rosebush car park be patchy so plan ahead and
at the entrance to the forest, then either carry a map or download
walk back to the telephone box and the information you need in
take the signposted path uphill to advance. The paths can be
the left of the farm. Continue until muddy so wear sturdy footwear.
the path meets a track, then turn O All the walks are accessible by
left with Pantmaenog Forest on the public transport. Well-behaved
left, and walk for one mile. Leave dogs are usually allowed
the track (which veers right) and on buses but at the driver’s
maintain a route along the forest discretion. For bus timetables,
edge to the corner of the plantation, visit Pembrokeshire County
where a clearly marked path climbs Council website https://www.
steeply to the summit of Foel pembrokeshire.gov.uk/bus-
Cwmcerwyn with its stunning views. routes-and-timetables
FIND OUT MORE...
O Check out the guides on the Your Dog website:
https://www.yourdog.co.uk/regional-guides/national-trails/the-
pembrokeshire-coast-path/
https://www.yourdog.co.uk/regional-guides/pembrokeshire-coast-
national-park/
O Visit https://www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/
O https://www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/things-to-do/walking-in-
the-park/walking-your-dog
47
YOUR PROBLEMS SOLVED

SPONSORED BY

Tips and advice from some of the top

names in the dog world.
THE EXPERT PANEL

TAMSIN TONY CRUSE VICKY PAYNE HOLLY MASH JOANNE JOHN BURNS STEPHEN
DURSTON is a member BVetMed, BVSc, MRCVS ANGUS BVMS, MRCVS is JENKINSON
is a canine of the MRCVS is specialises in LCGI is a vet, and is access adviser
behaviour officer Association of a holistic vet herbal medicine, a founder founder of feed to Your Dog, the
in Dogs Pet Dog Trainers based in East acupuncture, member of the company Burns Kennel Club,
Trust’s canine and the Institute Sussex. and nutrition. Guild of Master Pet Nutrition. and local
behaviour and of Modern Groomers. councils.
research team. Dog Trainers.

HEALTH
IS PARACETAMOL SAFE FOR DOGS?

Q
Can dogs be given paracetamol? If so, what
conditions or illnesses is it used for?
Your Dog reader, Hampshire.

VICKY SAYS: Paracetamol is used by vets

for pain relief and to reduce fevers. It has
Right: Paracetamol
should only be
a narrower safe dose than many of the licensed
given on the advice dog painkillers (and is fatal for cats) so should
of your vet. only be given on the advice of your vet.

HEALTH
WIPING OUT WORMS

Q
How often should you worm a dog? I find all three months too. If you prefer not to give wormer
the conflicting information online confusing. routinely there are laboratories that will check a faecal
Karen Latimer, Somerset. sample for worms and worm eggs. I advise this every
three months for round and tapeworms, but more
VICKY SAYS: Monthly treatment is often for young dogs or dogs who live with children.
recommended for lungworm and roundworm. Faecal testing can also identify lungworms, but a more
Above: You can establish If you live in a low lungworm-risk area expensive test is required. Your vet is the best source
the best worming
programme for your dog
and have no small children at home, then of advice on risk in your area. There are concerns
with the help and advice roundworm treatment could be given every three that residues from worming products can harm the
of your vet. months. Tapeworm treatment is usually advised every environment so always bag and bin dog poo.

Dog insurance call 03300 243 990

48
Your Dog September 2023
 BEHAVIOUR

HELP FOR AN
ANXIOUS DOG
Q
How can I calm my anxious dog? And what are in their daily activities, helping them predict what’s likely
the signs of anxiety I should be looking for? to happen and when, and enabling them to feel less
Tessa Leyton, West Midlands. uncertain. Provide your dog with a cosy den as a safe
space to retreat to within your home. Stick to a solid
TAMSIN SAYS: Anxiety is typically defined routine and avoid any situations your dog currently
as ‘worry about what might happen’, often responds anxiously to.
based on previous negative experience or
a complete lack of experience. Dogs can be
anxious about specific things, such as whether they’ll be
left alone or unpredictable noises like fireworks. However,
just like us, dogs can become generally anxious, and need
some help developing their overall confidence. Book an
appointment with your vet to rule out any underlying
medical issues that might be brewing and contributing
to your dog’s anxiety. This is vital because undiagnosed
medical conditions can increase vulnerability, and
catching things early always helps.
Dogs Trust has a helpful guide to recognising
signs of anxiety, such as cowering, becoming tense
or freezing, holding their ears back and trembling, or
actively avoiding things, even people; visit https://www.
dogstrust.org.uk/dog-advice/understanding-your-dog/
signs-your-dog-may-be-stressed
Some signs can be subtle and easily overlooked, like
lip licking when not hungry, yawning when not tired, or
lifting a paw. Identifying specific triggers for anxiety can
help as you can then avoid them. Your vet can refer you to
an accredited clinical animal behaviourist for professional
support, helping your dog to feel and behave differently,
Right: Lip licking can and grow in confidence.
be a sign of anxiety. Meanwhile, dogs benefit from routine and structure

HEALTH
Acorns are toxic
and can get ACORN RISK

Q
lodged in the gut if Are acorns poisonous to dogs? A friend of mine
swallowed whole. told me they were highly toxic.
Shirley Webster, Lincolnshire.

VICKY SAYS: Acorns are toxic if eaten in large quantities,

but it is rare for a dog to ingest a large enough amount.
Most dogs will suffer vomiting if they chew and eat acorns.
A bigger risk is swallowing the acorn whole as this can cause
gut obstruction. If your dog eats acorns, estimate the amount
and call your vet or the Animal PoisonLine for advice.

The Animal PoisonLine is run by the Veterinary

Poisons Information Service (VPIS) and is a UK
emergency telephone service for pet owners who
are worried their pet may have been exposed to
something harmful or poisonous; call 01202 50 9000
(charges apply); visit https://www.animalpoisonline.
co.uk for more information.

theinsuranceemporium.co.uk/YD99
49
www.yourdog.co.uk
YOUR PROBLEMS SOLVED
GENERAL CARE
EXERCISING PUPPIES
Q
We’ve been adhering to the ‘five minutes per month’ rule when
walking our pup, aged six months. Where does this rule come
from and how long does it last for?
Mark Haddon, Essex.
TONY SAYS: The ‘five twice a day, until they are fully grown
minutes per month of age’ and their bones and joints have
rule for puppy exercise is fully developed.
a guideline recommended The reason is that puppies’ bones
by many vets and dog experts in the and joints are still developing and
UK, such as The Kennel Club. This growing, and over-exercising or
guideline suggests that, during their engaging in high-impact activities
growing period, puppies should such as running and jumping can put
engage in no more than five minutes excessive stress on their developing
of exercise per month of age, up to musculoskeletal system, potentially
Right: Developing
bones and joints mean
pups should not be
over-exercised.
HEALTH
DANGER IN THE WATER
Q
How dangerous is
blue-green algae for dogs?
Look out for warnings
How can I spot it and how
about blue-green can it affect my pet? What should
algae on your walks. I do if I see it on a walk?
Robert Turner, Lancashire.
VICKY SAYS:
Blue-green algae is
actually a bacterium,
which only becomes
visible to the naked eye when large
clumps form in bodies of water.
It is usually found in still water
during spells of hot weather. The
Dog insurance call 03300 243 990
50
Your Dog September 2023
leading to long-term damage and
health problems. By limiting exercise
to short, low-impact sessions, puppy
owners can help promote healthy
bone and joint development and
minimise the risk of injury.
The ‘five minutes per month’
guideline is not strict or absolute.
You can exercise the dog further and
without applying the guide once he
is fully developed and has reached
his full adult size. Individual puppies
may have different exercise needs too
based on their breed, size, and overall
health. If in doubt, consult your vet.
appearance can vary from
a blue-green scum, to green flakes
or brown spots in the water. Not
all bacterial blooms are toxic, but
some can cause symptoms in a very
short space of time. Dogs can suffer
vomiting and diarrhoea, neurological
signs, or liver failure. If you suspect
water has blue-green algae do not
allow your dog to paddle, swim, or
drink it. The UK Centre for Ecology
and Hydrology has a Bloomin’ Algae
app where you can submit a photo
that will be assessed as likely or
unlikely to be blue-green algae.
 Q

BEHAVIOUR

SMELLY HABIT
Q
Why do dogs love to roll in fox poo?
My dog seems to do it all the time!
Michael Collins, Shropshire.

TAMSIN SAYS: This is
a fascinating question
because the truth is
we don’t really know,
although a few reasons are
suggested. It’s thought that this
activity may be inherited from the
dog’s wolf ancestors. Wild wolves
have been observed doing this
when hunting, possibly to hide
their own scent and therefore
For many dogs
helping them sneak up on prey.
nothing beats a roll But it might also be a way of
in fox poo! a dog putting their own scent
into the area. Dogs deliberately
communicate with scent, as well as
body language and vocalisations,
so this might be a way of leaving
their own mark where the fox has
been, telling others, including the
fox, ‘I’m here too’.
Another theory is that a dog
might be rolling in fox poo to
collect some of that scent to bring
back to his own group. Dogs
can detect a great deal of social
information from the scent of
another animal, whether through
their poo or their fur, skin cells,
saliva, or urine, which they
might shed as they go about
their business.
What we do know for sure
though is that this is a behaviour
a good proportion of dogs of all
different breeds engage in, and
one they will repeat when they get
the opportunity. It is a reinforcing
behaviour for them, with perceived
benefits and good outcomes
— hence why they do it again
and again!

GOT A PROBLEM WITH YOUR DOG?

Whether it’s about behaviour, training, health, or general care, the Your Dog experts are here to help.
Our panel includes some of the top names in the dog world, so you can rest assured that you are
getting the best quality advice.
Just email your problem/query to editorial@yourdog.co.uk or, if you prefer, you can post it to
‘Dog Answers’ at our Bourne address (see page 5). You can also post your query on
Facebook; www.facebook.com/yourdogmagazine.

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51
www.yourdog.co.uk
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READERS’ DOGS

The
Where your dog gets the chance to shine!

1
1. Rescue terrier-cross
Bella — believed to be
17 years old — from
2
Lancing , West Sussex.

2. Show Cocker
Spaniel Rudi and
Border Collie Sophie,
from Gorebridge,
Midlothian.

3. Border Collie 5
Oakley, from
Watchet, Somerset.

4. Miniature Poodle
Zac, from Cheltenham,
Gloucestershire.

5. Staffordshire Bull
Terrier Oscar, from
Luton, Bedfordshire.

53
www.yourdog.co.uk
READERS’ DOGS Q
6. West Highland White
Terrier puppy Iona,
from Farnham, Surrey.

7. Siberian Husky Blu,

from Skipton,
North Yorkshire.

8. Jack Russell-cross
Buffy (who was born
completely deaf),
black Staffordshire
Bull Terrier-cross
Otto, and baby
Ragnar, a Dogue de
Bordeaux-cross, from
Swindon, Wiltshire.

9. West Highland
White Terrier X Poodle
Tally and Cockapoo
Kai, from Ludlow,
6
Shropshire.

10. Zuchons (Shih Tzu

X Bichon Frise) Poppy
and Lily, from Romiley,
Greater Manchester,
love reading Your Dog
Magazine.
9

10

HOW TO GET YOUR PET ON THESE PAGES!

It couldn’t be easier — simply email your high-resolution images to gallery@yourdog.co.uk, including
your dog’s name, breed, and address, and your daytime telephone number. Alternatively, you can
share your images on social media at www.facebook.com/yourdogmagazine
Please note, we don’t accept pics of dogs playing with sticks or wearing extreme clothing.

54
Your Dog September 2023
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