The first thing almost every dog is taught to do is, sit. Most dogs are appreciative of dog food and treats and this can be a useful training tool to encourage the dog to perform. As with all training, repetition is the key and as the word ‘sit’ is recognised, the treat may occasionally be withdrawn until the dog reacts solely on command.

House training is also important and this must also be taught quite early on and is also a conditioning exercise. Puppies need to relieve themselves at regular intervals but most certainly after feeding, play and rest. Never consider putting newspaper down to encourage the dog to relieve indoors as this prolongs the learning process and is counter- productive. If you catch the puppy having an accident indoors, do not tell him off, clap your hands to interrupt and carry him outside and supervise what he is doing and add the ‘be quick’ command.

One of the most satisfying things to teach a dog is loose lead walking. It’s a pleasure to walk a dog that doesn’t always pull, though for older or stronger dogs a check collar or other device may be helpful during training and afterwards. Position the dog at your side and encourage him to stay there, if necessary – as the lead tightens – use the command ‘heel’ or ‘no’ and position him back by your side. Repetition and consistent use of words is the key, once the dog responds to your words and commands, progress should continue.

It makes sense to teach your dog to come to you when you call him and a good way of doing this is with a whistle. By getting the dog used to the whistle at meal times as he begins to eat, he will soon get conditioned to the fact that it makes sense for him to come to you when he hears the whistle. Try it in the garden first, encouraging him verbally and with a treat when he comes to you, before venturing to try it in larger open spaces.

To aid the training there are various devices available, such as clickers, halter collars, whistles and many others, all of which are designed to make training easier. Although this is basic training there are many other things that can be taught, which are enjoyable for the dog and his owner.

Most dogs do not like fireworks. Fact. Even dogs who are trained to endure loud noises (such as gun dogs) tend to get jumpy and anxious in and around the run up to bonfire night.

Every year dogs along with many other animals experience fear and confusion, sometimes alone when their owners are away enjoying an organised bonfire.

It is not unusual for dogs to run away or escape from the home when frightened by fireworks so one of the most important things a dog owner can do in preparation for the fireworks is to check, double check and treble check the security of the garden or yard. Don’t assess it on whether a person could possibly escape, think more about whether a very stressed, motivated, physically impressive canine could make a break. Dogs go missing around fireworks night, make sure yours isn’t one of them.

Our simple 6 point guide should help to ensure your pets can get through the firework season safe and sound.

* It is a good idea to bring any outdoor pets inside for the duration of firework period. If this is not possible, covering kennels up with a blanket at night will give a dog a little protection from the bright flashes and loud bangs. Outside dogs are often used to thunder but fireworks can cause a very different reaction. Always remember how acute a dog’s sense of hearing is. A loud bang to us can feel like volcano erupting to a dog.

* It may be hard, but try and stay with your dog during the majority of the firework season. A dog can often react very differently to a bang when you are not there. If it is possible, see if you can view your dog via a hidden vantage point just to gauge his or her reaction to the bangs. Even though you may elect to stay with the dog, try very hard not to react to the sounds of fireworks yourself. Do your best to ignore the bangs and crashes, showing your dog that there is no imminent danger despite the loud noises and bright flashes.

* Always make sure your dog has his or her own special area where they can go to feel safe. Be it an indoor kennel or a place under the stairs, dogs love to have a den at their disposal.

* It sounds obvious, but try to keep the windows and curtains closed as often as possible during firework season as this will lessen the effect of the noise and bright flashes.

* Normal household noises such as the TV, vacuuming or music can help to distract from the loud noises coming from outside. Aside from deciding to host a disco or having a few days of constant vacuuming around the home to distract your pet from the sound, investigate something such as a natural supplement like Forest Farmacy’s Soothing Animal Solution which could be the best way to combat any anxiety your pet has towards loud noises.

* Last but certainly not least, always ensure your pet has some sort of identification on him or her. It is a sad fact but many dogs do run away from home during firework season, even dogs that has previously shown no fear of fireworks can occasionally take flight at the loud noises and flashes in the sky. Be prepared, your dog has no comprehension why the sudden noises and bright lights and as an animal with ultra sensitive senses, it’s important to be prepared for any sudden displays of anxiety or fear.

You can download K9 Magazine’s TOTALLY FREE ‘Fireworks and Your Dog’ eBook (which also includes bonus sections on how to treat general anxiety and noise phobia) by visiting www.k9magazine.com/fireworks

Highly Recommended >> We are happy to recommend Forest Farmacy and Soothing Animal Solution, an organic instant calming solution for anxious pets to help with your dog’s firework noise phobia.

Hefty vets’ fees result in many dogs and cats being put down or abandoned by owners who struggle to meet the cost of caring for them. Tough times have seen a sharp rise in the number of abandoned animals, according to the RSPCA. It reported a 57% increase in the number of abandoned animals in the 12 months to April last year as people tightened their purse-strings.

For those with sick pets, the vet’s bill can easily amount to hundreds of pounds. If your pet suffers from a debilitating lifelong condition, such as arthritis, or gets hit by a car, the cost of treatment can even reach thousands – leaving many owners with difficult choices.

The importance of insurance

Making sure you have pet insurance is one way to enable you to stump up for these costs – but many people are failing to take out cover or are giving up their existing policies in a bid to save money.

Yet unfortunately, vet fees are rising in excess of UK inflation, making it essential to ensure that you have adequate insurance. It is particularly important to insure your pedigree pet when they are puppies or kittens because if an illness or medical condition develops, it may be impossible to have it covered in a new policy as it will be regarded as a ‘pre-existing condition’.

According to Sainsbury’s Finance, around 12% of cats and dogs under the age of three suffer from some form of medical condition which may occur later in life or be linked to other conditions. Some are more susceptible than others to illness – during the first half of 2009, the number of claims Sainsbury’s received linked to the top 10 most popular pedigree dogs was around 48% of the total number it insures.

If you choose to stop your cover, or not to take it out in the first place, you should be prepared for the fact that you might have to say goodbye to your pet permanently if something goes wrong – a situation that is likely to cause much heartache.

Picking the right policy

Choosing insurance can be tricky, however, as policies vary enormously in terms of cost and the level of cover they provide.

Michael Powell, general insurance consultant at independent research company Defaqto, says: “The first most basic, and generally the cheapest option, is a policy with a ‘per condition’ limit and a 12-month time limit.

“For example, a policy will provide up to £2,000 for vets’ fees for each condition with a 12-month time limit. This means that the policyholder may claim up to £2,000 for each treatment but once the treatment costs have reached £2,000 or have exceeded the 12-month limit, no further cover is provided.

“If treatment needs to continue, the policyholder would be responsible for paying for the costs to the vet themselves.”

More comprehensive per-condition policies include higher levels of cover and aren’t time-limited: treatment for a single condition is available over the pet’s lifetime until the policy limit – often several thousand pounds – is reached.

Often the most expensive policies are those that provide an annual limit that is renewed each year – known as ‘lifetime’ policies. For example, a policy will provide cover for vets’ fees for each condition up to, say, an annual limit of £5,000. The main difference with this type of policy is that, provided the policyholder renews the policy each year, the £5,000 benefit is also renewed – but only if the pet remains within any other policy conditions, such as a maximum age limit.

Pedigree animals are usually more expensive to insure than crossbreeds, as they are more at risk from long-term conditions. As a general rule, non-pedigree cats and dogs live longer and are healthier than pure breeds.

Finally…

Bear in mind that if you make a claim on a pet insurance policy, any treatment is then classed as a ‘pre-existing condition’ and obtaining an alternative policy could mean that the new insurer excludes cover for this condition. This makes it very difficult for pet owners to shop around when their policy comes up for renewal, unless they are prepared to pay separately for any treatment regarded as a ‘pre-existing condition’.

Also, not everything will be covered by insurance. Worming, vaccinations and flea treatments are not included, for instance – so check the small print.

Pet insurance is designed to provide pet owners with peace of mind and financial security so that in the event of an accident or illness their pet can receive the best possible treatment available without having to consider the cost of veterinary bills.

Louise Watson agrees, knowing all too well about the importance of pet insurance. Her boxer Zeus was diagnosed with epilepsy and after extensive tests, which included an MMR scan and a spinal tap, the vet also found he had a heart murmur.

All of Zeus’s scans and tests to diagnosis him and the daily medication he now takes to control his conditions has cost over £4,000 so far. However, thankfully for Louise she took out a Petplan Covered For Life policy shortly after buying Zeus, which has meant that all these costs have been covered by Petplan.

“I’m so grateful to have decided to takeout a Petplan Covered for Life policy – it means we can cover the continual treatment for Zeus’s epilepsy and heart murmur for the rest of his life. I always recommend Petplan to my friends as I wouldn’t know what I would have done without their support.”

With an increasing number of pet insurance policies available, it can be confusing for pet owners to decide the best policy. However, a Petplan Covered for Life plan is the most comprehensive policy on the market. It renews the amount of vet fees cover at the start of each year, which enables policy holders to claim the full vet fee benefit, year after year, as long as the policy is renewed annually. It also pays for ongoing conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, skin conditions and epilepsy.

The vet fees benefit is the most claimed upon area of pet insurance policies; however Covered for Life also offers cover for complementary treatment, boarding fees and advertising and reward if the policy holder’s pet is lost or stolen. Furthermore Covered for Life includes third party liability cover for dogs starting from £1 million.

To find out more information about a Petplan policy visit Petplan.co.uk

The app will provide information on local events as well as show dog owners new and interesting routes for walking their dogs. The app activates the iPhone’s inbuilt GPS functionality and allows users to log and share their favourite walks. But it does not stop there. It will also provide weekly care-tips for your ‘pooch’ from celebrity vet Marc Abraham – currently the resident on Sky One’s ‘My Pet Shame’, as well as ITV’s ‘This Morning’ and BBC ‘Breakfast News’.

For serious dog-lovers there is a doggie picture gallery where users will be able to view cute dog pictures as well as make their own dog famous by uploading images and adding the latest news about its canine antics.

Guide Dogs wants to grow the ‘go walkies’ brand significantly over the next 3 years – and is aiming for this to become the largest sponsored dog walk in the UK. In order to do this, Guide Dogs is spreading its reach beyond the traditional charity donor. Development of the app should allow it to engage with a younger consumer who it anticipates will embrace the fun element of the events.

Traditional donors to Guide Dogs are older females, either with an interest in dogs or who have been affected (in)directly by blindness, and these donors are crucial to the ongoing success of the charity. Of course the cuteness factor of the puppies on promotional material is an important influencer in generating support. However, with an aim to increase the number of guide dog partnerships by a third by 2020, it is important that the charity seeks out the next generation of support and broadens its appeal with a younger audience. This app puts Guide Dogs firmly at the forefront of major fundraisers who are embracing emerging media and targeting a younger donor base. IPhone by its very nature appeals to a younger, technical savvy consumer and many apps exist to support our busy ‘time poor’ and ‘on the go’ lifestyles.

Caroline Shields, Manager for ‘go walkies for Guide Dogs’ comments, ‘Users are not going to download the app unless it appeals to them and therefore we have to ensure that we maintain the interest level and functionality without forgetting that ultimately it is there to support our fundraising efforts.’

Guide Dogs is keen for the app to have a wide appeal – blind and partially sighted people who do not have a guide dog are to be encouraged to download the app so that they can find out more about the work of the charity and also support local fundraising initiatives. Of course, any dog owner – guide dog or otherwise – will find the pet-care and walking guide sections useful.

Beyond the main benefits of the app, if users want to get involved with supporting the charity, they will be encouraged to either organise their own ‘go walkies’ fundraiser or take part in another local event. Information on the events is however not exclusive to the app – there is a specific ‘go walkies’ website www.gowalkies.org.uk, a Facebook page www.facebook.com/gowalkies, as well as other advertising and marketing initiatives.

Shields continues, ‘Blind and partially sighted people are often short-changed when it comes to being able to effectively use new technology, in many instances having to spend additional money on separate applications or simply just not being able to use it. The iPhone has overcome this with its ‘Voiceover’ technology – essentially software that ‘reads’ the screen out loud. We therefore wanted to be at the forefront of providing a useful app for visually-impaired users that at the same time also offers a tangible benefit to our target ‘go walkies’ audience of 8+ million UK dog owners, as well as our existing supporters.’

So what specifically has Apple developed that has made the iPhone so accessible to the disabled and from Guide Dogs’ point of view, the blind and partially sighted? It is just so hard to imagine a blind person using a touch screen. However, ‘Voiceover’ technology has made this possible. This the screen reading software used by Macs and it is now an integral part of Apple’s iOS on iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. It has totally revolutionised the technology for this sector of the community where other new and advanced products have simply failed to live up to their promises on delivery. Previous models of phones aimed at the visually impaired have simply had voice technology, no screens as such.

Accessibility features on the iPhone 3GS & 4 are easily activated and controlled, including:

* Tap an item to hear it
* Double tap to activate
* Split tap – hold down on one location and tap into another
* Swipe 3 fingers to scroll
* A ‘rotor’ dial – activated by turning your fingers like a dial
* Toggle speech which is activated by a double or triple tap
* A screen curtain feature that disables the screen and the camera.

Text messages and emails are simply read out, so once users have mastered the touch facility on the iphone, they really can use any app that has been built to operate smoothly with the voice reader. For this to work, what is absolutely crucial when developing any app – or website for that matter – is to consider all the possible users and accessibility challenges. It was important for us to ensure that the visually-impaired would receive the same user experience as anyone else so we had to firstly understand how those users were accustomed to using their iPhone, then work out the limitations of the technology and finally start to build the app.

Martin Roberts, 32, responded to a Facebook request to test the Guide Dogs’ ‘go walkies’ app for accessibility. Martin has been completely blind all his life, and is on the waiting list for his second guide dog. In marketing terms, Martin would be described as an ‘early adopter’ as he has always embraced new technology and applications, and not been held back by his inability to see. His iphone 3GS is as vital a day to day accessory as mobile phones are to the rest of us.

He comments ‘Blind and partially sighted people are generally let down when it comes to functionality, adaptability and ease of use of new technology. Apple has really thought about how we can make use of the iPhone. The ‘go walkies’ app is a great example of something that is new and exciting, yet also serves a purpose for the charity, and I am confident that it will get a huge uptake.’

Martin has used GPS technology for a while when out with his previous guide dogs, and he can now have one device that incorporates this function with his email and phone. He uses his iPhone to check the weather and keep up to date with the latest news – just the same as anyone who can read the screen and he is keen to use a wide range of apps. In terms of the ‘go walkies’ app, he will of course use it when he gets his next dog for walks and care tips, as well as identifying local events and offer his support.

There are surprisingly no other free apps in the UK offering dog owners the ability to find new walks and very few apps that take a social need and link it with a lifestyle choice. Guide Dogs has been very astute in the creation of this app – allowing it to be of benefit to a range of different types of users – whether they are guide dog owners, blind or partially sighted people, ‘go walkies’ event organisers/ participants, local dog walkers, or people out for a stroll. It will help to develop interactive social and local communities with the user-generated content, and ultimately should offer a life-enriching experience for all users by providing ongoing audience engagement beyond a single walk or event.

The ‘go walkies’ app will be available to download for free from the App Store from the beginning of October. For further details, visit online at www.gowalkies.org.uk

Firstly, there’s the price of the pet itself. True, if you’re just getting a goldfish or a hamster, your initial outlay won’t be more than a few pounds, but if you’re looking for something a bit bigger then you may have to prepare your wallet. Dogs and cats can cost anything from £50 up to several thousand if you want a pedigree breed, and if you’re thinking about getting a pony then you’re looking at a four-figure sum for even the cheapest of animals. If you want to get an animal cheaply – and in a socially responsible way – check out your local animal shelter, which will have a number of animals looking for a loving home.

Next up is their environment, and this is where expenses can really mount up. Smaller creatures, such as gerbils or guinea pigs, will need a cage plus all the bits of equipment that go in it. These can cost upwards of £50, although if you hunt around the internet and on eBay, you should be able to get one for less. If keeping fish or reptiles is going to be your thing, then a tank with a filter system and lighting starts at around £80, and can pretty much go up to any amount depending on the size you want. Pets that have the run of your home such as cats and dogs will still need a basket they can call their own, as well as some toys.

Food costs again depend on the pet. Fish are probably the cheapest creatures to feed, costing a pound or so a week, and rodents don’t cost much more. But if you’ve set your sights on a cat, you should put aside at least £5 a week. Dogs will cost around twice that, and more if you choose a bigger breed. While snakes and reptiles don’t eat much, some will require specialist feed, so make sure you have a local pet shop that can supply you.

Then there’s healthcare. Many animals will need vaccinations and ongoing medical treatment, and this can be expensive. For healthy cats and dogs, put aside at least £100 a year for annual injections and treatment. If your cat or dog becomes ill, or has an accident, their medical costs can run into thousands, so it’s well worth considering a pet insurance policy, which will cover many treatments.

And don’t forget that your pets will need to be looked after even when you’re not around. So you’ll need someone to look after them when you’re on holiday, or during the day. Hopefully a friendly neighbour will be able to help, but if not, kennels or cat sitting services can cost £10-15 a day per animal, depending on where you live.

Issued by Sainsbury’s Finance

Is It Actually Possible to Stop a Dog From Shedding?

In all likelihood, stopping a dog from shedding its fur as the seasons change is probably best tackled from a management point of view rather than from the assumption that shedding can be completely stopped, particularly in long haired dog breeds.

However, a shedding dog really can cause untold extra work around the home so let’s examine some of the tips to reduce the volume of fur shed as well as some management tips on dealing with shed fur on furniture, clothes etc.

13 Ways To Keep Yourself Free Of Dog Shedding Misery

Do you arrive at the office looking like you rolled over with your dog? Do your dinner guests politely pick dog hair from their food before eating it? Nothing says “I have a dog” more than hair clinging to our clothing, hair wafting through the air in our homes, or hair burrowing into the butter.

Frequent vacuuming is one of the best ways to cut down on hair buildup, but if you don’t always have time to drag out the vacuum cleaner, try some of these quick and dirty suggestions for cleaning up the piles of pet hair.

1. To sweep up loose dog hair from hardwood or vinyl floors, use a dampened mop.

2. Wall-to-wall carpeting holds down the hair more than hard-wood or vinyl floors, so adding a carpet to a room may help keep dog hair from wafting through your house.

3. To pick up loose dog hair that is attached to upholstered furniture, wear a dampened rubber glove or use a damp sponge.

4. Use a sticky roller to lift dog hair from fabrics and upholstery. Washable sticky rollers enable you to recycle instead of dispose of the product.

5. Purchase a washable Furniture Magnet Pet Hair Remover to help you wipe off the dog hair from clothing, furniture, or pillows. Place it under your furniture cushions for easy access.

6. To pick up dog hair from your carpet, use a window squeegee.

7. Choose furniture made from smooth fabrics such as leather, faux leather, or other fabric to which loose hair won’t stick as readily.

8. Place a washable towel or blanket over your dog’s favorite sleeping spot to keep hair from clinging to cushions.

9. Use washable window coverings if your dog likes to watch the world go by from the floor in front of a picture window or patio doors.

10. Draperies made of smooth fabrics won’t attract as much hair as heavy textured ones, so if you’re in the market for some new window furnishings, purchase ones that are less likely to become filled with your dog’s hair.

11. Keep a lint brush near your favorite easy chair. Then, after your dog sits on your lap, you can roll off the hair before you get up.

12. Use a feather duster or device to clean between slats of mini-blinds to remove deposited hair.

13. Change the furnace and air conditioner filters more often during shedding season to prevent blockage.

What About Non Shedding Dog Breeds?

The following breeds of dogs are often referred to as ‘hypoallergenic dog breeds’.

Sadly, the hypoallergenic dog is a myth.

However, these breeds are certainly more compatible for people who want a dog that sheds less than, say, an Old English Sheepdog.

• Irish Water Spaniel
• Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
• Bedlington Terrier.

For those looking for a low shedding dog breed that is larger than these breeds, the Irish Water Spaniel may be the dog for you. These dogs have very short, almost human-like hair that will shed less and therefore doesn’t leave as many allergens around the home (allergies tend to come from the skin cells, so the less hair shed, the less an dog allergy sufferer will be exposed – but don’t assume ANY breed is completely free of allergy.)

The coats of these dogs must be maintained through grooming every few months. The Irish Water Spaniel is a friendly dog that likes to exercise and swim during the warmer months of the year.

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is available in four varieties, the Traditional Irish, Heavy Irish, English, and American. The main difference is the size of the dog. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has a short coat that does not shed much during the day. The dogs will need to be groomed as often as other shorthaired breeds in order to prevent clumping or rashes on their skin.

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is characterised as being friendly and will always welcome strangers. They enjoy getting their exercise and want to be around people as much as possible. These dogs should not be kept in an apartment. Having a backyard is a must as this dog loves to run and bark.

Bedlington Terriers are smaller than the Irish Water Spaniel and Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, but they have short coats which need to be brushed a few times a week to prevent tangling. They will also need to be groomed every three or four months in order to maintain a healthy coat. These dogs are energetic and enjoy exercise. For those who are interested in low shedding dog breeds and who live in apartment buildings or smaller homes, this dog is perfect.

A Question About Dog Shedding

Question: My dog is shedding too much hair, it’s a problem. What can I do?

“I have always taken great pains with the care and grooming of my Siberian Husky, making sure that he is immaculate at all times. But when I brushed him today though, I got two full buckets of hair. I know dogs are supposed to shed, but never have I seen anything like this. He actually looks bald! Can you tell me why?”

Answer:

As they say in life, you can overdo any good thing. If you keep him “immaculate at all times” then I would assume that his diet is also the very best, probably supplemented with vitamins and minerals that his system really doesn’t need.

This happens all too often. Owners who have nothing but good intentions run out and try to do everything possible to make sure their dogs and puppies are in good health. They buy all of the supplements, they attempt dog training from every angle possible, and they just plain go overboard on care – often mentally or emotionally debilitating the animal is some way.

But I digress – about the shedding issue, these types of haircoat problems can usually be traced to one of the following three causes:

1) Parasites
2) Dietary deficiencies
3) Hormonal imbalances

Only a veterinarian can properly diagnose which of these three things may be causing your dog’s problem. Schedule an appointment immediately and be sure to write a detailed list of all supplements and food intake that your dog has had over the last several months.

The importance of diet in relation to shedding problems in dogs can’t be overstated. In fact, ensuring your dog is being fed the correct diet has a bearing on everything from their weight, general health and vitality and even the way they behave.

Conclusion: Can I Stop a Dog Shedding?

No, it’s not possible to totally stop a dog shedding. But you can certainly take action steps to reduce shedding in dogs, to manage the shed hairs around the home and on clothing and, if you are looking to acquire a dog, you can certainly choose low shedding dog breeds rather than pick a dog that is likely to shed significant amounts of hair even if you take all of the above action steps.

Would you like more in depth tips on caring for your dog’s coat?

Subscribe to Total Dog Grooming Magazine – (FREE for a limited time!)

I found the topic interesting more-so as I was one of those people who contributed to APGAW in which I heavily criticised both the KC generally and also the Judging which has permitted and indeed created canine suffering for many years.

The KC like to blame everyone except themselves in relation to all that is known as dog, when in fact all most breeders want is for the registry to admit to that they got it wrong and they did in fact encourage canine ill health and far worse they caused many breeds to suffer agonising pain through mismanagement of the breeds through poorly conformed dogs judged to be wonderful examples by trained judges they employ either through private memberships or via their acceptability of judges that have come via breed clubs, those very same breed clubs that created much of the poor conformation in dogs.

Caroline Kisko is wrong in that she feels the appearance should entitle dogs to win , how very shortsighted is that for the advice for dogs for the future.

Health should be a priority BEFORE entering a show, I know there are many breeders of whom have dogs that regularly win at show but are ill, they are lame, they have eye disorders or heart disorders, yet because the KC do not make health testing mandatory the dog will be bred , tests are an important part of the future of dogs.

How can anyone justify 22 Siberian Huskies and then tell other breeders they are puppy farmers because they have 10 dogs from a variety of breeds?

To me this signifies the fact that the KC cannot be trusted to ‘police’ dogs.

The KC by self admission is class and ethnicity frigid, it is ultimately a very white middle class society that likes to Lord it over those who may well come from lower social or politically different classes . It is now time for them to be fully investigated by the Equalities Commission and also the Employment Boards to justify how they employ those in high positions and also how they justify wholly white judging.

—
Strong views there.

Did you hear the documentary?

What’s your view on the question: What’s the point of the Kennel Club?

Have your say below:

In Britain, however, as in Ireland (and a number of other countries where greyhound racing is held) the dogs run on an oval-like circuit that essentially comprises two straights leading into tight bends. This configuration can prove lethal for the greyhounds with the risk of injury rising significantly when dogs are pitted against each other.

At the time of writing there are 25 tracks regulated under the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) and 12 independent venues across England, Scotland and Wales.

Whilst all of the above are oval-like in configuration, variations exist from track to track in length of straights, banking and tightness of bends. There exists also huge disparity in the depth of sand (used for the surface and middle layers) and composition of base layer that in turn can affect the performance of a track.

Such variations impact on safety as does the maintenance of the track, operation of the mechanical hare, trap draw, grade, race distance and weather conditions. Research to date, however, would indicate that even where all factors relating to safety are judged ideal the frequency of injuries will never fall dramatically whilst dogs are competing on oval-like circuits.

Track ‘improvements’

In May 2008 the track at Owlerton (Sheffield) received both a new surface and drainage system costing in the region £125,000. General Manager Dave Perry was reported saying: “It is all about the welfare of our greyhounds here at Owlerton. The resurfacing of the track will improve our already high standards.”

Owlerton was a track that Perry apparently considered “one of the safest in the country” prior to the work carried out and with no change in its configuration was there ever likely to be a notable reduction in dogs injured?

On Greyhoundscene – the largest internet forum for UK members of the racing fraternity – the following posting was made in July 2008: “What’s going on at Sheffield – injury rates (have) nearly trebled since the track re-laid the surface at massive cost. All sorts of injuries being reported by all trainers – shoulders, wrists, gracilis, hocks… there’ll be no sound dogs left at this rate!”

Similarly, two months following ‘improvements’ at Yarmouth Stadium in June 2010 to include a new surface and drainage and costing £190,000, owners were reporting a notable increase in the frequency of injuries – many serious – in both trials and races.

Anomalies in injury rates are inevitable and looking long term I would not expect such rates at either Sheffield or Yarmouth to be higher. By the same token I would be very surprised if either were to fall significantly.

Yarmouth Racing Manager Bill Johnson, speaking in August, believed the level of injuries had changed little since the work carried out. Perry said the injury rate at Sheffield had fallen but refused to say by how much as he felt the information could be used by those who appose racing.

Of course it’s good PR to claim 6 figure sums are being spent in the name of welfare, and I have no doubt that welfare is a factor (injuries to greyhounds are costly for both the owner and the business of racing) but if changes to the track have at best only a marginal impact on safety what other motive could there be for the money invested?

A clue can be found on another internet posting, again concerning the work at Sheffield: “Hopefully (it will) make the conditions fairer and remove the bias when the rain comes.”

Both the promoters and GBGB are seeking to protect and strengthen the integrity of racing. A good track surface, properly maintained, is a prerequisite for a consistent racing environment. This in turn gives the betting public the assurance that race outcomes are based solely on the dog’s ability.

It is further hoped that money being invested in ‘welfare’ will reduce the number of meetings cancelled due to bad weather that again can be very costly for the business of racing.

Injuries, Perry Barr

In a thesis published 1992 and titled The Nature and Incidence of Greyhound Racing Injuries, Agnew BP examined a record of injuries across 953 race meetings at Perry Barr (Birmingham).

Perry Barr was converted from a grass/sand track to a modern all sand facility in 1978 and data was examined from both before and after the change in the running surface was made. It is data relating to the modern facility that of course carries particular weight and the statistics make for interesting reading.

1612 injuries were recorded across 748 meetings. This was broken down as follows: shoulder, 205; carpus, 475; metacarpus, 24; forefoot, 127; hindmuscle, 227; hock, 58; metatarsus, 5; hindfoot, 144; cramp, 234; combination, 54; miscellaneous, 59.

Career ending injuries are commonly hock related and out of the 58 listed above 2 greyhounds were recorded retired and 21 were recorded destroyed. This data, however, is based solely on the immediate post race decision.

Particularly notable is the injury rate as a percentage of runners rose from 4.6 for the year prior to conversion to an all sand facility to 6.6 for the year following conversion. The percentage rate for the all sand facility does later fall (3.9 being the lowest figure) but the difference is not as great as might be expected for the change made in the track surface.

Notable also is the figures for single limb injuries as a percentage of total injuries recorded that rose from 65.2 for the grass/sand track to 81.2 for the all sand facility.

The survey at Perry Barr is one of a number of similar studies both in Britain and abroad across which there exists a lack of uniformity in the recording of information and findings. Where consistency, however, does exist is in the analysis of data and the evident correlation between numerous injuries and track configuration.

Agnew concluded that the principal causal factor for injury patterns was the “definite and set task demanded of these athletes; the racing at speed on tight anti-clockwise tracks.”

Cornering

Sprinting into a bend increases effective body weight and a human will respond to this by extending the duration of contact each foot has with the ground. As a result, forces on the legs are said to remain constant.

A study, however, by Usherwood JR and Wilson AM and featured in Nature (Vol. 438), found that in greyhounds observed there was no notable change in foot contact timings when the dogs entered a tight bend. As such, forces on the limbs were calculated to increase by approximately 65%.

The use of banking will reduce horizontal loads and this in turn may see a reduction in injury rates. It has been calculated, however, that the degree of banking required to negate such forces would be so high as to generate additional hazards for the greyhounds as well proving almost impossible to maintain.

Indeed modern thinking with regard turn one is to keep the banking to a minimum so allowing the outside dogs to remain wide with the optimum level more a judgement than a science and not easy to ascertain.

At best the bends on a track can be made safer but not safe and injuries are inevitable with the site of injury frequently dictated by the direction of turn. World renowned veterinarian Alessandro Piras gives a figure of 96% for the incidence of central tarsal bone fractures occurring in the right leg.

Bergh MS, in a thesis examining this phenomenon, noted: “These fractures have been classified into five types; all of which usually contain a dorsal slab component. The cause of these fractures has not been rigorously investigated, but it is suspected that racing in a counter-clockwise direction on oval tracks produces cyclic overload of the medial compartment of the right tarsus.”

Dee JF and Dee LG further link track configuration with injury patterns: “The fact that the race is run on a circular track, in a counter-clockwise direction, exacerbates the stresses of racing. These increased stresses are substantiated by the locations of metacarpal/metatarsal injuries: they occur most frequently on the ‘rail’ side of the affected foot, specifically metacarpal V of the left foot, metacarpal II of the right foot and metatarsal III of the right foot.”

Dog interaction

Whilst many of the injuries greyhounds sustain are linked directly with the forces generated through cornering, many of the more serious that include long bone fractures are the result of a fall and/or collision with other dogs.

The potential to lose footing when negotiating the tight bends of a track at speeds of up to 40 mph is high for a greyhound running solo. Pitch six greyhounds against each other and there are an alarming number of incidents in which greyhounds collide and fall.

A survey by Greyhound Watch covering all tracks governed by the GBGB identified turn one as the point on the track where the greatest number of incidents occurs. In January 2010 alone, 109 dogs were recorded falling/brought down in turn one against dogs not finishing/finishing at distance, with the true figure likely much higher.

The above including 4 greyhounds that fell in the opening race at Mildenhall on 15 January, 3 falling in the penultimate race at Nottingham on 05 January and 3 falling in the second race of the evening meeting at Newcastle on 23 January.

As the dogs hurtle into turn one they are reaching a higher speed and are more tightly bunched than at any other point in the race. The result can be mayhem. Further compounding the situation can be wide runners allotted an inside trap (and vice versa) and pups running with seasoned dogs.

With the pressure to fill race cards it is inevitable that on occasion greyhounds are not ideally placed as Andrew Johnston posting on Greyhound Knowledge Forum is only too aware: “I had a pup run at Newcastle… it was bowled over 3 times out of 8 races at the first bend, a totally green pup thrown in with seasoned adult racers, the poor pup got so smashed up the third time it had to be put-to-sleep.”

The track bends create also a hazard for the greyhounds on the straights as all 4 turns (that make up one full circuit) influence the conflicting lines greyhounds will run on the straights. This again can result in dogs colliding, with potentially devastating consequences.

Injuries, scale

It is impossible to give an exact annual total for injuries sustained and greyhound’s euthanased as a result of injury. Such information is being collated by the GBGB but is not being made public (against a key recommendation within a Parliamentary Group report published May 2007).

Though it has to be said the industry themselves do not have precise figures. Data compiled is based on track veterinary reports and many injuries are diagnosed only the following day (for the same reason above data recorded for Perry Barr is not complete). It has further been claimed that certain trainers who, at the time of a meeting, suspect a dog to be lame are not always having the animal checked by the vet in attendance.

What information is available, however, gives animal welfare charities and the like a good indication of scale.

Before Walthamstow closed I spoke with the racing office who stated that about 25 greyhounds were put down as a result of injury at the track over a 12 month period. Yarmouth office has given a similar figure. The number of races held at Walthamstow across one full year represented 4.7% of the total for GBGB tracks alone (figure based on the last full year of racing). The same calculation for Yarmouth in 2009 is a disturbing 3.1%.

In August this year the Swindon Advertiser reported the deaths of 4 greyhounds in as many weeks at the local track, all the result of incidents described as “in-running collisions,” and during a particularly awful spate of injuries covering a 4 week period last year at Belle Vue (Manchester), 6 greyhounds had to be destroyed.

At a single meeting on 15 January at Sittingbourne, steward’s recorded 11 greyhounds lame and one greyhound having ‘brokedown’. A further 2 finished at distance after falling. The total for greyhounds recorded lame/brokedown across January-March 2010 at the above track is 75.

It should, however, be noted that steward’s comments only hint at the scale of injuries. Perhaps a better indication of scale is the fact that at any one time a professional trainer will likely have as many as half his/her greyhounds out through injury.

From a wealth of information such as above it is very evident that the number of injuries sustained annually on British tracks is a 5 figure sum, many of which are serious and result in hundreds of greyhounds losing their lives.

Conclusion

The GBGB state that a quarter of a million pounds was spent in 2008 “improving the safety of tracks across the country, reducing injuries and helping to extend racing careers.” The GBGB, however, have yet to publish any evidence that injury rates long-term at any track have fallen dramatically.

And with tracks that are seeing a spate of fatalities apparently already among the safest in the country such evidence is never likely to materialise.

The Swindon racing office, in response to the recent deaths detailed above, is reported saying: “No expense is spared ensuring that we have the finest sand and fixtures on the track, plus the best track preparation, veterinary and racing teams in the business.”

The “finest” didn’t save Rackethall Kenny, Swift Abel, Wots Er Name and Daytwo, nor will the “finest” prevent thousands of greyhounds getting ‘smashed-up’ across the country every year.

Oval tracks are perhaps the most dangerous environment in which to hold greyhound racing. To members of the racing fraternity, however, they are likely the most exciting environment. Will a greyhound get round in one piece and make the winning podium or will it be the greyhound’s last race?

Trainers are undoubtedly passionate about greyhound racing but I have yet to speak to a single trainer who is passionate about greyhounds. The dogs are nothing more than a commodity – essentially a betting medium – and for that reason I do not expect the industry to ever change, fundamentally, the nature of greyhound racing in Britain.

– Don’t touch, pet, talk to, feed or otherwise distract the dog while
he/she is wearing a harness.

A guide dog is a highly trained dog that acts as a mobility aide to the blind and visually impaired. When a dog is in harness, they are “on duty or working” and must concentrate for the safety of his/her owner or handler.

– Don’t attempt to grab or steer the person while the dog is guiding, do
not attempt to hold the dog’s harness or give the dog commands.

A dog or handler may be in an unfamiliar situation that requires their full attention. Grabbing a harness or leash can disorientate and confuse the team. The handler will give the dog commands when necessary and will ask for assistance if needed.

– Don’t walk on the dog’s left side.

Walking on a dog’s left side may distract or confuse the dog. Instead, walk on the handler’s right side and several paces behind him or her.

– Speak to the person, not the dog.

Many handlers enjoy introducing their guide dogs. Both owner and dog go through training to work as a team, and in most cases develop a strong companionship through the process. Ask the handler if you can pet the dog. If they say yes, do not pat the dog on the head, but stroke the dog on the shoulder area.

Guide dogs are the guiding eyes for people who are blind or visually impaired, and you can expect to see them anywhere the public is allowed. So, the next time you see those “Simply Irresistible” puppy eyes follow these few guidelines and you will insure the safety of both the handler and the dog.