Chunky Dog?

Is your pooch a little on the larger side?

A lot of us make the same mistake, we all want to spoil our mates and make them feel like part of the family, but how much is too much?

Dogs are very smart creatures and can work out our routine very quickly. Something we hear a lot of is,

'He's hungry, he's looking for more food.'

If they know that food is going to be given to them when they display a certain behaviour then they will continue that.

It is a common problem that a lot of us can't give our dogs the amount of exercise they require, all dogs would enjoy one decent walk a day. Weather, work and other factors can come into this and change the routine.

Dogs gain weight because they are feed too much and not burning enough energy to get rid of this excess weight. Whether your dog if fed a dry diet, a raw diet or a mixture of both there are guidelines you should always follow. Most dog food's will have stated the amount your dog requires for their size. If your dog is overweight, speak to your vet about the ideal weight they should be at and feed them to this sizing, not their overweight size.

A lot of doggy owner feed twice a day, which is great, but you must remember to break up their daily requirement into two meals, not two servings of the daily requirement. The best thing you can do is feed a larger serving with their morning meal and a smaller serving overnight. Dogs are a lot more active throughout the day so can burn their morning meal a lot quicker. Generally once they eat their night time meal they will head off to sleep for the night, therefor this meal just turns into fat. Keep in mind that their night time meal should just be something little so they aren't sleeping on an empty stomach.

Exercise is obviously another key factor. If your dog isn't getting regular exercise, not only will they get bored but they will gain weight. Depending on the breed and energy levels will depend on how often and how long a walk they will need, but if for some reason their regular amount of exercised is shortened, then adjust their meals accordingly. You are not starving your dog! Many people worry that because their dog can't tell them what they want that they are doing the wrong thing. Dog's are very similar to humans in many ways, if we reduce our meal sizes safely, our body adjusts and our weight is maintained. Dogs are no different to this.

If your not sure if your dog is at a healthy weight it's best to ask your vet, there are guideline for certain breeds but just like humans, every dog is different. Once you work out a good routine with your vet, stick to it! If your dog is used to getting treats throughout the day and you want to keep this up, that if fine! Just reduce their morning and night meals slightly to compensate.

Below is a dog weight chart that you can use as a rough guide, again if you are concerned the best thing to do is speak with your Vet and work out the right food plan for your pet specifically.

Bigger bone?

 

The time to save is now. When a dog gets a bone, he doesn't go out and make a down payment on a bigger bone. He buries the one he's got.

-Will Rogers



A Tribute to War dogs.

A tribute to all the brave K9's that have served on the battle line.

 

 

 

Dogs in war;

1914 - 1918

About a million dogs died in action as they were used by the international forces to deliever messages.

Stubby, an American Pit Bull mix was the first dog to be given the rank of Sergeant when he discovered and alerted his men to the presence of a German Spy. Sgt Stubby was the most awarded dog of World War 1.

1943 - 1945

At the peak of World War II, more then 10,000 dogs from the US were in the action. Of the 549 dogs that returned home from war, only 4 were not able to return to civilian life. Most of the dogs stayed with their handlers from war and lived out their days together.

1966-1973

Approximately 5,000 US dogs served in the Vietnam War. The K9 units were estimated to saved over 10,000 human lives. 295 servicemen & 232 military dogs were killed. It is believed about 200 Vietnam War dogs survived to be later be assigned at other US bases, the rest were left behind or euthanized. The Vietnam war was the only American war in which no war dog ever came home. It wasn't until 2000 when the legislation passed that retired military dogs could be adopted.

2011.

US Navy Seals used a Belgian Malinois dog, Cairo, in Operation Neptune Spear - the operation in which Osama Bin Laden was killed.

 

Thanks to our friends at Cooinda Cat Resort for this great story!

http://www.cooindacattery.com.au/

Lagotto?

The Lagotto is an ancient breed noted back as far back as the 16^th Century and was used for water retrieving throughout Italy. Over the centuries they have been used for searching truffles over the open land of Romagna. With their great sense of smell and high ability to concentrate they were ideal for this line of work and are the only breed ever recognized for this.

The Lagotto is a small to medium size muscle built dog. It is in their nature to search and is a great working dog. They are very determined and once their mind is set to something they are not usually distracted. They are very loyal and will become extremely attached to their owner. They are an affectionate dog that gets along well with other pets.

They make an excellent family pet but being that they are quite intelligent they need a lot of stimulation. Regular exercise and something to keep their mind working is a must. Tracking games or searching for things is in their natural instinct so they will always be keen. Agility is also a favorite with this dog, they are great at obedience and learning anything new. As the same with all breeds, the Lagotto needs to be reminded that they are not the boss. They do require a pack leader and a strong minded owner.

Another plus for the Lagotto is their coat, similar to that of a poodle it doesn’t shed and is allergy friendly. It will require regular brushing as it is quite dense but grooming isn’t high maintenance. Be prepared to bath every so often as they love to get dirty! They are well known for getting into mud and other gooey stuff and making quite a mess of themselves.

The Lagotto, although not a commonly known breed, are an excellent addition to any family with the time and energy. They are not an ideal breed to be left on their for long periods of time and will bond extremely closely with their owner.

Meet Basil, a regular Lagotto guest at Dogs Country Club.

Enjoying playtimes with Greyhound, Mindy.

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/lagottoromagnolo.htm

Examine your conscience,

 

If a dog will not come to you after having looked you in the face, you should go home and examine your conscience.

 

-Woodrow Wilson

 

 

 



Did you know?

A dog's heart beats up to 120 times per minute,
that's 50% faster then the average human heartbeat of 80 times per minute.

Juno, one of our regular happy guests.

Gemma & Frodo Update.

Good morning everyone!

Another week down and there is always plenty going on at Dogs Country Club.

Our Luxury Penthouse Suites are coming along great! We've had painters in, outdoor roofs are going on! We can't wait to get in there and finally try all the rooms out!

The weather's been a little funny, sunny one minute and a little chilly the next! Everyone here is staying nice and warm in their doggy coats and the heaters for the cooler nights.

As always, we are keeping a watchful eye over everyone and everything and things are running nice and smooth!

Talk soon,

Gemma & Frodo!

Working very hard.

Gemma, showing off her Dogs Country Club coat.

Stormy Weather

Although we have been enjoying some lovely sunny and warm days, unpredictable Melbourne can turn on us at any point!

Thunderstorms, like fireworks, can be terrifying for our pets, especially dogs.

One of the worst things you can do for your dog if they are fretting is to comfort them. You also don't want to discipline them as being afraid of storms isn't bad behaviour, it's simply a fear.

The best thing you can do is try to distract your dog. Be in control of the situation and keep calm. Create a comfortable area for your dog and start distracting! Weather it be with a game, food or their favourite toy keep your pooch entertained. Bones or hardy, chewable toys are a great idea as your dog really needs to concentrate and it will keep them occupied. Toys that hide food and can be difficult to work out are ideal!

Even putting some music on or turning the T.V up can help.

If bringing your dog inside isn't an option a shed, garage or carrier is always a good idea. When frightened, dogs tend to run and want to hide somewhere that makes them feel secure so restraining them with a choker chain or lead should never be done.

You should always make sure your dog is easily identifiable with tags and microchip, in the worst case if they happen to get out you always want them to be tracked back to home.

It is possible that dogs can be desensitised from being scared of fireworks and loud noises, remembering not all dogs are. Some dogs are at the opposite end of the scale and have a phobia. In these cases, some dogs can be so frightened that it seems nothing will calm them down. In this instance, your vet should be consulted.

 

Rush, the Whippit, keeping very comfortable in the afternoon sun.

Dog to heaven

Heaven must be accessed by favour because if it was accessed by merit all dogs would go there first.

- Mark Twain

Titanic.

Many of us, if not all of us, know the story of the Titanic.

The tragic sinking saw many lives lost, but not too many are aware of the dogs that also sailed with the ship.

12 dogs boarded the Titanic with their owners and three were lucky enough to survive.

Two being Pomeranian and the third was a Pekingese.

These dogs belonged to first class travellers as the rich and famous always took their dogs with them.

It is believed that the small size of these dogs is what saved them, as they didn't take up any extra room on the life boats and could hide in someones lap.

The first Pomeranian to survive was Lady, who belonged to Margaret Hays, a 24 year old who was travelling home to New York. She was travelling with 2 other friends in first class. When the mayhem began, Miss Hays rushed with her friends to the deck, setting themselves up in life jackets and wrapping Lady in blankets. Not long after the first life boat was boarded, boat number 7. Miss Hays, both her friends and Lady made it onto this boat. Several hours later they were rescued by a ship, the Carpathia.

The name of the second Pomeranian is unknown, but he was owned by Mr and Mrs Rothschild, a well known couple within the New York clothing industry. Mrs. Rothschild was lucky enough to make it to a lifeboat, hiding her pooch under her clothing. When being rescued by the Carpathia, they refused to take her dog. She wouldn't board the ship unless her dog came with her, so they complied. Mr Rothschild unfortunately didn't make it to a life raft and went down with the Titanic.

 

Sun Yat-Sen, the Pekingese that survived was owned by Henry Harper, the heir to the Harper and Row publishing firm in New York. Mr Harper, along with a friend he was travelling with safely made it into life boat number 3 and were later rescued.

Some people were somewhat outraged that dogs survived and some people didn't, though the dogs took up no room and it was easy for owners to hide them.

Not a clear photo, but the only one known of Sun Yat-Sen

The only photo taken of any dogs on the Titanic, taken in Ireland.



Today is International Homeless Animals Day

Today is a very important day to dog lovers around the world. It's International Homeless Animals Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness of pets everywhere who do not have a loving human to share their life. It can seem like a sad day, but it is also a very hopeful day—it's a great chance to help spread the word about responsible pet ownership and help make some new homes!

In the state of Victoria, Australia during the financial year 2010-2011, there was over 30 thousand dogs and cats turned over to the RSPCA. Only 9,300 dogs and 19,000 cats found homes. Of the rest 11,500 cats and dogs had to be destroyed.

Although many of these animals are healthy and adoptable, their sheer numbers outweigh the availability of good homes. For instance, a single female cat and her offspring can produce 420,000 cats in seven years. A female dog and her offspring can produce 67,000 dogs in just six years. This tragedy can be prevented.

There are other organizations that try and find homes for these cats and dogs such as "The Animal Re-homing Service Inc." This is a not for profit service that helps people find homes for their pets when they can no longer care for them. You can find out about animals available for re-homing at http://www.tars.org.au/

 

So please give a homeless kitty or dog a home!

 

 

Sausage Dog!

The Dachshund, pronounced ‘dak sund’ and also known as the sausage dog is a clever, lively and amusing dog. They originated in Germany in the early 1600’s. They were bred to hunt small such as rabbits and badgers. With their shortened legs they were able to chase their prey into their burrows where they would fight until the death. They are very brave little dogs, being known to take on foxes and otters. Their population dropped during World War 1 but were quickly rejuvenated once being imported into the USA.

Today they are am extremely devoted family pet but need strict and correct training immediately. Training is difficult but not impossible. A Dachshund requires an owner who will always be in charge and remain the pack leader. At any point the Dachs thinks he may have the upper hand is when behaviour problems will arise, and these can be difficult to break. Some well-known problems can include separation anxiety, guarding furniture, food, toys and other objects. They can then become unpredictable with children and adults that they don’t know and if they get extremely uncontrollable can become unpredictable with their owners. They are recommended for families with older children, this way it is a lot easier to maintain the ‘pack leader’ as the humans and keep that strict training under control. With proper leadership, they can get along well with children and are generally ok with other pets although can get jealous easily and are very quick to bite, again this is where the correct training is needed. These negative traits are not Dachshund traits but simply ‘small dog syndrome.’ This simply means most dog owners treat their smaller dogs like babies, instead of giving them leadership. This gives the owners comfort but the opposite effect on the dog. Once they realise they have the upper hand is when this kind of negative behaviour will begin.

Outside of this, with the right training, the Dachshund truly is a great companion. There are 3 varieties of Dachshund, short haired, wire haired and long haired. Within the 3 varieties are varying sizes also. The Dachshund is strikingly noticeable due to their body being longer then it is tall and it’s stocky, muscular short legs. They are quite an active dog requiring daily walks or play times in the park. Due to their body structure, they are prone to spinal damage so jumping should always be discouraged.

The Dachshund is an ideal dog for someone with a great understanding of the breed and the time and effort to put into their training.

Willliam, posing very proudly.

If your dog....

If your dog doesn't like someone you probably shouldn't either.

- Unknown.



Did you know?

Like human finger print, dog's nose prints are unique and individual. They can be used to accuratley identify a single dog.

Gabbie, the Frech Bulldog, showing off her snout!

Gemma & Frodo Update.

Hello all!

We have been enjoying as much as the sunshine that we can!.

It seems to have slipped away from us now but that hasn't stopped any of the lovely people coming down to visit us for a tour. It's very exciting to show off our new Luxury Paws Penthouse Suites and how they're coming along.

We have met many new faces (human and K9) in the past few weeks and we have been lapping up ALL the attention too!

We better get back to work, we're very busy keeping an eye on everything, as you can see.

Gemma & Frodo!

Hot Spots.

What is a hot spot?

A hot spot is a localised area of inflamed and infected skin. The infection can be superficial or deep.

Hot Spots are also known as moist dermatitis and acute moist dermatitis and can appear on any part of the body.

What causes hot spots?

There are a number of reasons your dog may have hot spots. Fleas, mites or other external parasites, an insect sting or bite could be causing irritation. Allergies, most common being food or environmental. These irritation cause the 'hot spots' on the skin which leads to your dog  biting, licking or scratching the area. This then only makes the wound worse. Some dogs have also been known to start a hot spot out of pure boredom or stress related psychological problems. 

How to treat hot spots.

The first thing you can do is speak to your local Vet, due to the fact hot spots can spread rapidly and there is a possibility of deep skin infection it is wise to begin treatment. Hot spots can also be extremely painful so you want to try and narrow down what is causing this irritation.

To soothe the hot spot you can;

• Shave the area - the first treatment is to dry them out and allow the area to air. Hair loss may occur due to licking, biting etc but the hair can also mat over the inflamed area.
• Cleanse the area with cool water. Black or Green tea bags are also great to help dry and clean out the area.
• Compress the area 2-4 times a day with a cool, wet cloth
• Depending on the result of your consult with your vet, you may be prescribed antibiotics, sprays or special shampoos.
• Although the area is irritating, you need to give it the chance to heal so an Elizabethan collar (also known as the buckets that go around the dogs neck) may be required.

If you have any other further concerns or worries, make sure you consult your local Vet immediately.

Examples of hot spots;

 

An Elizabethan collar

Some more great tips at;

http://vetmedicine.about.com/cs/dogdiseasesh/a/hotspots.htm

That look.



My dog, she looks at me sometimes with that look, I think maybe deep down she must know exactly how I feel. But then maybe she just wants the food off my plate.

-Unknown.



War Dogs.

After braving and exhausting days of fire fights in Afghanistan, the relief of settling down at night was a furry friend was indescribable.

Many U.S Soldiers took in stray Afghan dogs, saving not only their lives but giving the soldiers a forever companion.

When the solders returned home to their families the dogs were left behind.. but not for long!

A former British Royal Marine, Pen Farthing (who also served in Afghanistan) started a British charity Nowzad Dogs. Together with American Airlines they flew the dogs from the Middle East to JFK Airport, New York. It was here the emotional reunions took place.

The pictures speak for themselves.

Read more:

 http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2062550/Puppy-love-Heartwarming-pictures-stray-dogs-befriended-soldiers-Afghanistan-flown-thousands-miles-reunited.html#ixzz23TQEOfrh

Sled Dogs.

The Siberian Husky is a laid back, high energy dog that originated off the eastern Siberian peninsula. They were used for centuries by the Chukchi Tribe for herding reindeer, pulling sleds and as watch dogs. They are hardy dogs so were ideal to work in those harsh, cool climates. They are strong dogs so were able to work for hours on end and integrate into small packs. They were brought to Alaska by fur traders in Malamute for races due to their great speed. In 1908 they were used in the first All Alaskan Sweepstakes, a competition that had mushers take their dogs on a 408 mile long sled race.

They gained even more popularity in 1925 when they were used in Alaska for bringing in much needed medicine when the diphtheria epidemic hit. They were also used during World War II in the Army’s Arctic Search and Rescue Unit.

Today they make great family pets and generally get along with everyone and everything. They are loving, gentle and happy go lucky. They are very docile, social and relaxed so don’t actually make that good of a watch dog, being very friendly with strangers. They are great with children and bark very little, preferring to howl. They are an extremely high energy dog, very intelligent and easily trainable, if done correctly. They will only respond to proper training if the owner always asserts dominance and shows they are stronger minded. Allowing them to believe they are stronger, will result in a dominating, misbehaving dog Training with Huskies takes patience, consistency and a good understanding on their character. If you can’t be 100% firm, confident and the pack leader they will take advantage of you.

Being a high energy dog, the Husky requires a lot of exercise. This will help prevent boredom and keep their mind stimulated. Being intelligent, they get bored extremely easily; this is when their mischievous behavior starts. Remembering though, due to being bred for colder climates, exercise in warmer weather needs to limited to the cooler parts of the day. They will also howl when bored and do not do well being left alone for long periods of time. Always keep in mind they are working dogs in heart and soul, without enough mental and physical exercise they will cause some trouble. Their thick coat sheds heavily twice a year and needs to be brushed daily, especially during shedding times.

Not only are Huskies great with people, but if raised correctly from a young age are great with other pets. They make a great companion for anyone who has the time energy to put into them; in return you receive a great friend for life.

The stunning Axle, such a ladies man!

For more great info;

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/siberianhusky.htm

Tasted Soap?

Anyone who doesn't know what soap tastes like has never washed a dog.
    

- Franklin P. Jones



Did you know?

Offically, the world's fastest dog is the Greyhound.

They reach an average speed of 18 metres per second or 63 kilometres an hour! At maximum acceleration they can reach a full speed of 70 kilometres within 30 metres!

One of our delightful older guests, Cliff. A gorgeous Greyhound who enjoys the luxury of our Special Needs Suites with resident, Rusty.

Gemma & Frodo update!

Hello!

Hopefully everyone is keeping as warm as we are in this yucky wet weather. We're lucky enough to be rugged up in some warm blankets and beds that all of our guests can are enjoying too.

Even with this bad weather all of our guests are still able to get out and have a run in their own private exercise yards which are all undercover, so everyone is still having a ball here.

The construction of our Luxury Paws Penthouse Suites are coming along nicely. Our excellent builders and workman are still here everyone morning, rail, hail or shine and doing a great job!

Our new tiles for the front arrived the other day and we were lucky enough to sneak in some pictures for you. 

Enjoy, can't wait until there up and running and ready to go!

Keep warm,

Gemma and Frodo. 

Your Dog, His coat and winter!

The winter months can be difficult to manage your dogs coat, especially if they are long and thick. It is highly important to make sure your dog is groomed regularly and correctly for this time of year. Although brushing can avoid this, it is a common problem at this time of year.

An unmaintained coat can very quickly turn to knots that then become mats, especially if your dog enjoys playing in the puddles and rain.

Not only is a matted coat uncomfortable for your dog but it can cause severe skin problems. Mats can feel like dreadlock and can be tight and close to this skin. This pulls at your dogs skin and can bruise. If your dog gets wet at anytime, whether it be due to bathing or out in the elements, these mats are too thick and won’t dry. This can lead to dermatitis and other skin conditions.

It is advisable to have your long haired dog clipped before the winter months start, therefore they will be able to dry quickly Dog’s can adjust to the temperature much easier than a human , keeping their coat at a shorter length all year round will make it a lot easier for them to regulate their temperature. A dog coat is also a great way to keep them warm, but do keep in mind that their fur will still mat under a coat, so regular brushing is still required. Your dog is going to feel the cold a lot worse is they are matted and become wet.

If your dog is extremely matted you need to get him to the groomers. They will be able to give him a full shave as easily and pain free as possible. If you find a few small mats this is something you will be able to fix from home, keeping in mind these knots are very tight to the skin and extremely sore. Use a good quality conditioner when bathing to allow the mats to come out easier and not cause pain when brushing.

To keep on top of this regularly brush your dog. For medium to long coats daily brushes are required. This will keep your mate happy, healthy and clean throughout winter.



Shaving a matted dog.

A severe result of a matted dog being unnoticed for a period of time.

Dogs are better...

Dogs are better than human beings because they know but do not tell.

      Emily Dickinson

Molly enjoying a snuggle in her bed.

Patches' Tune.

Patches, a 15 year old Jack Russell mix, never left his owners side. Mr Vassallo and Patches spent everyday together, so when Mr Vassallo passed away things quickly changed. In the mix everything going on, Patches escaped from his home and ended up in the pound.

Mr Vassallo's daughter who lived in Sydney quickly seeked the held of a Victorian Dog Rescue foster carer, Miss Grivec. When Miss Grivec found herself at a Mildura pound, she was relieved to discover Patches.

'He seemed to have a sad, far away look in his eyes' - she reclaimed.

It wasn't until she was told Patches was on death row and very close to being put to sleep that she realised how lucky she was. Unfortunately though, things weren't all that easy. Due to Patches not being microchipped or wearing a tag, there was no proof of who owned him.

Miss Grivec phoned Mr Vassallo's daughter with the grim news.

'I have an idea!' - Miss Vassallo recalled that her father would always sing happy birthday to Patches.

Miss Grivec stared into Patches eyes and began to sing happy birthday. At first, Patches still had the distant look in his eyes, then he tilted his head back and began to howl with Miss Grivec.

'Dad and Patches always sang together, everytime they finished Dad would say 'bravo, bravo' and Patches loved it' - Miss Vassallo.

So dear Patches melody saved his life. He now spends his days relaxing with his family in Sydney.

Patches.

Singing a tune for Miss Grivec

Read more:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2017733/Patches-dog-death-row-saves-life-singing-Happy-Birthday.html#ixzz22jFg9hvI

Fire dog.

The Dalmatian is a distinctive breed and whether covered in spots or only dabbled they can be spotted (excuse the pun) from miles away. They are a versatile breed and used in the past for many reasons. The breed had been through two World Wars, the Vietnam War, a drover of cattle, a show dog, trick dog, gun dog and hunter and earned their place on the racing fire engine. During Victorian times they were also well known for running horses alongside carriages. The Dalmatian has always had a natural compatibility with horses and this is still a strong trait that shows through in them today.

When born, a Dalmatian pup is pure white with their spots coming through at around 2 weeks of age. These can come through as either black of liver colored spots. Their average life span is 12 years but with the correct care can exceed 14.

Today, the Dalmatian makes a great companion. They are a strong, active and driven dog. They are very fun, with hallmarks of their breed being considered their ‘elegance’, ‘humor’ and natural clowning around behavior. They crave human companionship and affection and can be quite sensitive at times. Their short, dense coat is easy to maintain with grooming a minimal requirement. Being strong, both mentally and physically, training is a must to keep them under control. Exercise is a high priority to avoid boredom, keep them stimulated and healthy. With the right training, the Dalmatian is great one on one companion and also a fantastic family pet. Given the chance, it’s not too hard for them to win their way into your heart.

Jack and Janola enjoying some sunshine.

This great information and more at;

http://www.pedigree.com.au/breeds/default.asp?bt=2&p=d&pp=

Our whole life.

Dog's are not our whole life, but they make our life whole.

'Roger Caras'

Milo, enjoying a relaxing afternoon snooze in the sun.

Did you know?

The tallest dog living is 'Giant George' a Great Dane from Arizona, USA. George measures in at a massive 1.092 meters tall!



Gemma & Frodo Update.

Do you WOMO?

What is WOMO? Word Of Mouth Online!

At Dog's Country Club & Kennel Resort, your word of mouth feedback is very important to us. If you think your pooch enjoyed their stay with us and you were happy with our services, we'd love you to review your experience on WOMO. It's quick, easy and a great help for us!

Simply click on the link below

http://www.womo.com.au/

Click on the link, 'Review a Buisness'

and simply enter our buisness number ; 1021521

and tell us what you think!

We'd loved to hear from you!

Gemma & Frodo.

My dog and fireworks.

All throughout the year, everyone likes to celebrate with fireworks. Unfortunately for our pets, especially dogs and horses, this can be a terrifying times for them.

The best thing for you to do is be aware and prepared. If you know there are going to fireworks, try your best to stay home. Earlier in the day, take your mate for a nice long walk, burn as much energy as you can and feed him a few hours late. A well fed and tired dog is going be a lot more relaxing during the night for you. Once your dog begins to fret, don't sooth or comfort him. Doing this to a scared dog only increases the problem. Instead, be in control and up beat. Create a comfortable hiding place and distract your dog with games, food and even putting some music on. Try and encourage calm behaviour with praise and attention. Surround them with their favourite toys in a room  inside they are familiar with.

Bones and chewable toys are ideal as a distraction and should take a while for them to enjoy.

Sometimes bringing your dog inside isn't an option so you should look at possibly a carrier or even in the garage of shed. Dogs tend to try and run and get away when frightened so restraining them with a choker chain or lead should never be done.

Always make sure your dog is identifiable with tags and microchip in case they do happen to get out.

It is possible that dogs can be desensitised from being scared of fireworks and loud noises, remembering not all dogs are. Some dogs are at the opposite end of the scale and have a phobia of fireworks. In these cases, some dogs can be so frightened that it seems nothing will calm them down. In these cases, your vet should be consulted.

The beautiful, Spud, kicking back snuggled in his couch.

For more great tips;

http://www.rspca.org.au/resources/

Fat Dog?

If your dog is fat, you aren't getting enough exercise.

Unknown



Lily and Maddison.

Here's one to melt any heart.

This is Lily and Maddison, two best friends that are inseparable.

Unfourtunaly, a rare illness when she was a pup caused Lily's eyelashes to grow into her eyes and cause damage beyond repair. It was at that point she had both her eyes removed and sadly the future looked glim for her. To everyones suprise, Maddison stepped up as Lily's guide dog and the two have never been apart since. They are very vocal with each other and Lily's loss of sight hasn't prevented her from doing anything, thanks to Maddison.

Lily, now 6, and Maddison, 5 spend there days chasing each other and cuddiling together in bed. They never leave each other's side.