Summer 2013 - James Wellbeloved

Wellbeloved
THE MAGAZINE WITH A SERIOUS COMMITMENT TO YOUR PETS’ HEALTH
SUMMER 2013/ISSUE 48
here comes
summer
Have fun in the sun with your pets
Walking to heel
Dame Jacqueline Wilson
Norwich Terrier
welcome
inside
features
A warm welcome to the
summer 2013 edition of
Wellbeloved magazine! This
issue is packed with advice on
all sorts of pet-related topics
– from tips for walking your
dog on a lead without pulling,
to explanations of mysterious
cat behaviour. Plus, we find
out why it’s so important to
feed your pet tailored nutrition
throughout their life.
With summer in full swing,
we’ve found loads of great days
out for you and your favourite
furry friend. And, don’t miss our
tips for keeping your pets safe,
cool and calm at home, out and
about, and in the car.
Our celebrity interview is
with much-loved author
Dame Jacqueline Wilson, and
we congratulate Dogs for
the Disabled on their 25th
anniversary. Plus, there are
some great competitions –
including the chance to win
English Heritage membership.
06
08
12
14
16
18
Feline attitude
Your cat’s behaviour explained by our expert
Food for thought
Dr Bradley Viner on age-specific nutritional needs
Summer safety
Our hot tips for keeping your pets safe, calm and cool
Pull if you want to go faster?
Training tips for walking your dog on the lead
Dogs for the Disabled
Celebrating 25 years
Fostering friendship
Meet the very special Wolfred
regulars
10
13
20
22
24
27
Breed profile
The Norwich Terrier
Celebrity chat
With Dame Jacqueline Wilson
Ask the experts
Your pet queries answered
What’s on
Summer events and shows
Your letters
And Tom Cox’s Little Cat Diary
Competition
Win English Heritage membership
Enjoy this issue!
Anna Harris
(with Rosie)
eDITOR
contributors
Cover Images: Getty, Alamy
Designed and produced by
Specialist, Fourth Floor, Embassy
House, Queens Avenue, Bristol BS8 1SB.
Tel: 0117 925 1696. www.specialistuk.com
Editorial: Anna Harris, Helen Martin
Creative: Emily Turner
Picture research: Sinead Millea
All paper in this
magazine is sourced
from suppliers
promoting sustainable
forest management.
For more information
visit www.pefc.org.
This magazine uses
print technology that
accords to the ISO
14001 environmental
standard.
James Wellbeloved
are members of
Claire Bessant
MAT WARD
PADDY DRISCOLL
Dr Bradley Viner
Claire is one of
the UK’s leading
cat experts and the
chief executive of
International Cat
Care. She has
edited numerous
books about our
feline friends. In this
issue, Claire explains
some baffling feline
behaviour, such as
why cats eat grass.
Mat is a certificated
clinical animal
behaviourist based in
Edinburgh. Originally
from New Zealand,
he holds a Master’s
degree in animal
behaviour. Mat has
spent thousands of
hours with people
and their pets,
helping solve
behavioural issues.
Paddy is a very
experienced canine
behaviour teacher
and a member of
the Association of
Pet Dog Trainers.
On page 14, Paddy
explains how to train
your dog to walk
calmly on their lead
without pulling. Of
course it takes time
and patience!
Bradley is a practising
vet and offers expert
advice regularly on TV
and in the press. He
is an elected council
member of the Royal
College of Veterinary
Surgeons and often
works with Battersea
Dogs & Cats Home.
In this issue, Bradley
looks at nutrition for
different life stages.
www.wellbeloved.com
03
round-up
Our Puppy and Kitten
photo competition winners
As you’d expect, our puppy and kitten competitions always create a bit of a stir
at James Wellbeloved HQ, and we were inundated with photographs of your
delightful puppies and sweet kittens, this spring. Thank you for all of your entries.
It was an incredibly hard decision to pick the winners. However, our victorious puppy
has been named as Jesse-Jay, owned by Katie Lea of Wakefield and our kitten, Zorro,
owned by Valerie Denton of Weston-super-Mare.
Jesse-Jay and Zorro have both won a year’s supply of James Wellbeloved food.
However, we have since heard from Valerie that sadly Zorro has recently passed away,
so his prize will go to two sister cats, adopted by Valerie. She says: “He was a true
little star.” Well done to Jesse-Jay and Zorro.
2014 calendar stars wanted!
: Z orro
Top: Je sse-Jay. Above
Catch your whiskered friend in the right light, outside in natural
surroundings and your pet could be in with a chance of appearing in
our 2014 James Wellbeloved Calendar! Each pet that appears as the
main image will win a year’s supply of dry pet food, and all other pets
will receive a 1.5kg or 2kg bag of dry pet food. All photos must ideally
be taken outside, in focus and be of a high enough resolution for print
(1mb, 6x4ins, 300dpi) – with your pet either looking at or facing the
camera. You can upload a selection of images, but each pet can only
win one prize. Visit www.wellbeloved.com for more info. Best of luck!
win!
Chill out time...
Our pets can be nervous in new environments, or if they have a change of
routine or lose a companion. Pet Remedy is a new and natural way of tackling
stress and anxiety, using a unique blend of valerian essential oil, vetivert, sweet basil
and sage. This blend causes the release of a natural calming neurotransmitter in your
pet’s brain, relaxing them without sedation. It’s ideal for dogs, cats, rodents, horses and birds.
Pet Remedy comes in a plug-in diffuser or spray bottle and has been praised by animal experts
including leading vets, the RSPCA and the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors.
“I tried the diffuser the other day,” says Anne-Laure Jaouën, Marketing Manager at James
Wellbeloved. “My cat Oliver never normally says anything, but this was
different! He rolled on the carpet, stretching and purring away contentedly.”
To find out more visit www.petremedy.co.uk or call 01803 612 772.
We have four Pet Remedy diffusers (RRP £20) and 12 Pet Remedy
mini sprays (RRP £6) to win! To enter our prize draw email your name,
address and phone number to anna.wellbeloved@specialistuk.com,
writing ‘Pet Remedy’ in the subject line, or post to ‘Pet Remedy’,
Wellbeloved magazine, Fourth Floor, Embassy House, Queens Avenue,
Clifton, Bristol BS8 1SB. The winners will be selected at random
after the closing date of 31 August 2013.
04
www.wellbeloved.com
A million pet
passengers
To celebrate their onemillionth pet passenger
in May, Eurotunnel
Le Shuttle has
launched its Pet Travel
Scheme. With dedicated pet
facilities and exercise areas, your
pet will revel in their holidays as
much as you!
Remember that when
travelling to, or returning from
another EU or non-listed country,
your pet needs a microchip, a
rabies vaccination, a tapeworm
treatment, and a pet passport,
or official third country veterinary
certificate. Find out more
details from your vet or visit
www.gov.uk/take-pet-abroad
Becky wins Scruffts
FAMILY CROSSBREED DOG OF THE YEAR
ret
Becky an d M arga
Crowned winner of the prestigious Scruffts Family
Crossbreed of the Year 2013 at Crufts this March was
seven-year-old rescue mixed-breed dog Becky, from
County Down.
Judge, Pam St Clement, best known as Pat Butcher in
EastEnders, had the difficult task of selecting the winner
from the four finalists. Becky’s owner, Margaret McKnight
said: “I still can’t believe it – my dog in the main arena at
Crufts! It is really wonderful to have a showcase at Crufts
for crossbreeds, especially rescue dogs.”
Scruffts, sponsored by James Wellbeloved and
organised by the Kennel Club, is now heralded as the
nation’s favourite cross-breed competition.
Check out the Scruffts 2013 summer itinerary on
our days out feature on page 22!
Your cat doesn’t have a wet
chin after drinking because of
physics. When a cat dips
their tongue in water, some
sticks to it. As the cat rapidly
draws their tongue back up, for
a fraction of a second the water
follows the path of the tongue, a
process known as inertia. Before
gravity can take effect, the cat
quickly closes their
mouth. A cat averages
four laps per second.
Clever kitty!
Supp
James orted by
Wellbe
loved
Hello,
wi n!
images: Getty, Alamy
Win a pair of tickets
to Discover Dogs!
At Discover Dogs you’ll find nearly all
of the 211 breeds of dog recognised by
The Kennel Club. The two-day event
provides a fabulous opportunity to learn
about the personalities, looks and traits
of the different breeds on show. Visitors
can also enjoy watching activities such
as: Agility, Heelwork to Music, Flyball and
All about Ava
the Good Citizen Dog
Scheme displays. Not
forgetting of course that
Discover Dogs hosts the
Scruffts Family Crossbreed
of the Year competition, sponsored by
James Wellbeloved! Also attending will be
our friends Dogs for the Disabled (see our
article on page 16).
This fun-packed event takes place on
9-10 November at Earls Court, London.
Children under 12 go free. Find out more
information at www.discoverdogs.org.uk
or call the ticket hotline on 0844 4633 980.
The great news is that we have
10 pairs of tickets to give away! To
enter our prize draw email your
name, address and phone number to
anna.wellbeloved@specialistuk.com,
writing ‘Discover Dogs’ in the subject
line, or post to ‘Discover Dogs’,
Wellbeloved magazine, Fourth Floor,
Embassy House, Queens Avenue,
Clifton, Bristol BS8 1SB. The 10 winners
will be selected at random after the
closing date of 31 August 2013.
www.wellbeloved.com
It’s Ava here, with all
my latest news. Can
you believe that I’m
almost 19 months
old? This is a very
exciting time for me
as my future has
been decided! I’m
now not going to be busy producing
Dogs for the Disabled puppies, but
will be going ahead with my training
to become an assistance dog, as was
originally planned. I was very sad to say
goodbye to Julie and Keith, my puppy
socialisers, who have done a fantastic
job looking after me from my days as a
tiny, mischievous pup until now, when
I’m almost grown up!
Lots of new friends
I’ve begun my new life at the Frances
Hay Centre in Banbury. I was a little
nervous at first, but everyone is lovely,
and there are lots of dogs for me
to make friends with. Each of us is
assigned our own personal trainer –
mine’s called Helen. My training will
last up to 14 weeks, and I have to pass
different assessments before moving
on to the next level.
I’ll be practising walking to heel,
learning how to push objects like light
switches, doing ‘pull’ work using a rope
tugger, and ‘retrieval’ work, starting with
a light plastic dumbbell that’s easy for
me to pick up.
I am enjoying it all very much and it’s
exciting to know that I’m getting closer
to becoming an official Dogs for the
Disabled assistance dog. I wonder who
my new owner will be?
Keep in touch with all the latest news
at www.dogsforthedisabled.org
and find out more about our 25 year
celebrations and how you can get
involved on page 16!
05
feline behaviour
whydoes my cat?. .
Cats certainly have their funny little ways, which can leave us humans feeling
quite baffled. We asked cat expert Claire Bessant to explain some familiar feline
behaviour that even the most avid cat watcher struggles to understand
I
f you’re a keen watcher of nature
programmes you’ll be used to
looking at animal behaviours and
trying to understand what they
mean. Of course we have our own mini
wild animals in our homes with our cats
and, while familiarity may mean that we
don’t question what they do and why, it
can be fascinating to look at some common
behaviours and wonder how they came
about and for what reason.
06
Why does my cat bring prey
into the house?
If a cat was living in the wild they would have
to defend a territory large enough to support
adequate prey on which to survive. It’s a tough
life, and cats often have a safe core area where
they can relax from the rigours of hunting
or even from being hunted themselves. Our
homes are the equivalent of this safe area
and some cats bring back prey (live or dead),
perhaps because they can relax and either eat
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the prey or learn to deal with it. We might like to
think that they’re bringing us ‘presents’, but it’s
probably not so. Some cats enjoy playing fetch
with their owners and thus may bring in prey
to continue with this contact, which they enjoy.
However, as with many cat behaviours, we’re
making a best guess!
Why does my cat attack my legs
or feet as I walk?
This behaviour is more common in kittens and
Cats are very
clever and learn
how to interact
with us to get
our attention
they can relax. It’s is a bit like you putting your
things around a room and making it suit your
personality so that you feel ‘at home’. At the
same time, the mixing of scents produces a
unique scent, which also helps the cat to
know who is a part of their home.
Why does my cat chatter
her teeth?
Teeth-chattering is a very curious sound which
cats make, though you may never actually
hear your cat do it. The best chance to hear it
is when there’s a bird outside the window that
the cat can see but can’t get to. The cat may
then make this strange tooth-chattering noise,
which may be excitement or frustration or
both – we don’t really know, but it’s worth
listening out for!
Why does my cat
grab my hand
when I tickle his tummy?
images: Getty
Cats can defend themselves very well, as
long as they are facing a threat and can use
their weapons. However, the tummy is a very
vulnerable spot – damage to this area can
cause life-threatening injury. Consequently,
cats are naturally very protective of their
tummies and some don’t like anyone to touch
this area. It’s the sign of a relaxed and trusting
cat if they let you tickle their tummy. Even a cat
that’s relaxed and generally lets you stroke or
tickle their tummy may suddenly feel vulnerable
and, when they do, their automatic defence
younger cats and is often a reaction
to movement – they may be pleased
to see owners and this raises levels
of excitement which find an outlet in
grabbing feet or legs as they move past.
Why does my cat rub his
face on me and my home?
Scent is very important to cats – they
can use it to communicate with other cats
and also to make themselves feel secure.
Glands around the face and other parts of
the body produce scents, which are used in
various different ways. By anointing familiar
and safe places such as our homes and also
even the family dog or human members, the
cat creates an area that feels safe and where
mechanism is activated. They may then
automatically go into ‘grab the hand and
kick with the back legs’ behaviour with
which we are all familiar.
Why does my cat eat grass?
Even though cats are obligate carnivores
and don’t usually volunteer to eat fruit and
vegetables, they do like to chew grass, and it
is part of their normal behavioural repertoire.
Whether it helps to move food or hairballs
through the digestive tract (up or down!), or
gives them some vitamins/trace elements
that they need, we’re not really sure.
Why does my cat
pat my
face when I am asleep?
As crepuscular (dawn and dusk)
hunters, cats are often lively/hungry/
playful at times when we would rather
be asleep. Cats are also very clever and
learn how to interact with us to get our
attention. Watch a cat investigating
something new and they will often use
their paw to touch or move the item in
order to investigate it – a cat’s front paws
are quite hand-like. So giving us a gentle
pat in order to get us into action when we
are asleep is not a surprise. The ‘Simon’s
Cat’ cartoon depicting just this behaviour
is actually brilliant, combining it with purring
and kneading to elicit attention and get
us moving!
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07
nutrition
foodfor thought
Vet Dr Bradley Viner looks at the different
nutritional needs of cats and dogs at various
stages of their lives to help you understand
how good nutrition supports optimum health
in your pet, whatever their age…
T
here once was a time when
dogs and cats were simply fed
the scraps left over from the
household meals. In the 1930s,
foods specifically designed for pets came
onto the market. However, even as recently as
30 years ago, there was no real understanding
of what pets require at different stages of their
lives. More recent research has shown that
both dogs and cats can benefit from being fed
08
diets that are specifically geared to their
particular needs. Some specific milestones in
the lifetime of our pets include:
Kitten and puppyhood
It’s been estimated that puppies and kittens
grow at roughly 15 times the rate of a human
baby and so need a diet that is high in energy,
as well as being boosted with extra minerals
and vitamins. Their stomachs are relatively
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small and their jaws less powerful, so they
need to eat a highly digestible, good quality
diet, little and often.
Neutering
Most pet dogs and cats are neutered
when they are young adults. Neutering
both males and females tends to slow
their metabolic rate, so that they use the
food that they take in more efficiently.
Great care needs to be taken as their
growth slows down to ensure that
they do not become overweight.
‘Junior’ food is available to cover
the stage where an animal’s growth
slows down but, as their growth
period comes to an end, it’s important
to ensure neutered dogs or cats are
fed a complete, balanced adult food, in the
Research has
shown that
both dogs and
cats can benefit
from being fed
diets that are
specifically
geared to their
particular needs
Food to meet your
Wellbeloved pet’s
nutritional needs, their
whole life through
James Wellbeloved has a range of
naturally hypo-allergenic life-stage foods
for cats and dogs, which are designed
to provide tailored, nutritional support
throughout their lives.
Our Puppy and Kitten food contains
the ideal protein and energy content to
sustain rapid growth and is gentle on a
young animal’s developing digestion.
Our Junior dog food
has slightly lower
protein and energy levels than puppy food
for this slower, second stage of growth to
help the dog reach the correct adult weight
and body condition.
Our Adult ranges for dogs and
cats contain quality ingredients to maintain
good health, including added omega-3 fats
to promote a healthy, glossy coat.
Our Senior ranges for dogs and
cats include our JW+ joint support
correct amounts, to meet their nutrition needs
but guarding against obesity.
Adulthood
Indeed, the prevention of obesity is vitally
important throughout adult life. The annual
health check and vaccination review visit to
your vet is an ideal time to monitor weight and
to discuss dietary requirements, but regular
weighing at home will help to identify problems
early on. ‘Light’ diets are designed to nip weight
problems in the bud, but if a significant problem
develops, your vet may want you to switch to
prescription food, designed to be fed under
veterinary supervision until the problem
is resolved.
Breeding
images: Getty, Ardea
The dietary requirements of a pet in the first
two-thirds of pregnancy do not change
markedly, but as a dog or cat becomes more
heavily pregnant, a high energy food may need
to be fed in smaller, but more frequent meals,
just as with a puppy. Once a bitch or a queen is
suckling a litter, her calorie requirements will soar,
and then a high energy food becomes essential
if she is not to lose condition markedly.
Senior citizens
Many older pets develop specific conditions,
such as arthritis – some of which can be eased
by diet. Food designed for older
pets will generally have a smaller kibble
that is easier to chew, and will be boosted
with higher levels of antioxidants, such as
vitamins C and E to support the immune
system, and supplements such as
glucosamine and fatty acids to help
joint mobility.
Protein levels will generally be restricted,
since the kidneys of many older dogs and cats
are unable to cope with a high protein diet, but
enough good quality protein must be provided
to keep their body tissues in good repair.
Older dogs often become more sedentary
and tend to put on weight, so most canine
senior diets have mildly restricted calorie
levels to prevent obesity. Conversely, older cats
absorb food less efficiently and tend to lose
weight, so senior feline diets tend to have a
higher calorie content than a normal adult food.
Gearing the diets that we feed to our
pets to their specific needs and different
stages of their development can play a
significant role in ensuring they enjoy
the optimum quality of life for the longest
time possible. If you are at all unsure
about the best way of
feeding your pet,
you should ask your
veterinary practice
for advice.
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complex of glucosamine, chondroitin and
herbs to support older joints, higher levels of
antioxidants to support the immune system
and taurine to support the heart.
To find out more about our food,
visit www.wellbeloved.com, call our
Nutritional Helpline on 0845 603 9095,
or speak to your local pet retailer,
who’ll be able to give you lots of
feeding tips and advice.
09
Appearance
– body and coat:
Appearance –
eyes and face:
This is a small, low dog who is both
compact and strong. The short legs are
powerful with rounded, well-padded feet.
The Norwich has a hard, wiry coat with a thick
undercoat, which is longer and rougher on the
neck, forming a ruff to frame their face. Hair on
head and ears is short and smooth, except for
slight whiskers and eyebrows. Colours range from
red, wheaten and black, and tan
and grizzle.
A slightly rounded, wide
skull, with erect ears, set well
apart. The erect ears differentiate
the Norwich from the Norfolk
Terrier, which has drop ears. Eyes
are relatively small, oval-shaped,
dark, bright, keen and full
of expression.
Family
friendly:
Norwich Terriers are
outdoorsy, rough and tumble
dogs with kindly personalities
who get on well with children.
They’re generally good with other
pets, such as cats and other
dogs, but, due to their ratting
instincts, should not be trusted
with small animals such as
hamsters, pet rats, mice
or guinea pigs.
Grooming:
Exercise:
Norwich Terriers are
active, curious dogs, bred for a
working life of pursuing vermin and
accompanying their owners in packs.
A good daily walk is preferable, but long
walks are not a necessity, as Norwich
Terriers are often happy to just be out with
their owners. Because of their ratting
instincts, they tend to love anything
you throw for them to chase after,
such as toys, balls
and tuggies.
10
The Norwich Terrier has
two coats – a harsh, wiry topcoat
and a soft, warm undercoat. Ideally, the
coat should be combed with a steel comb a
couple of times a week to remove loose, dead
hairs and prevent matting. Proper maintenance
of the Norwich coat requires ‘stripping’ – removing
the oldest hairs from the coat using fingers and/or a
special grooming comb. Stripping helps the coat
retain its proper appearance and benefits the
health of the dog’s skin and coat. Generally,
coats only need to be stripped once a
year, but can be tidied up every
six months.
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rare breeds
A close-up look
at the Norwich Terrier
This diminutive dog, who is tough yet tenderhearted, is curious and affectionate with a
great sense of fun…
O
images: Animal Photography
Personality:
The Norwich is a
typically bossy terrier
– courageous, intelligent
and affectionate. They can be
assertive, but it is not typical for
them to be aggressive. They are
eager to please, but have definite
minds of their own. They thoroughly
enjoy the companionship of their
owners and, when provided with an
active life with lots of games and
stimulation, make for
very contented
family pets.
ne of the smallest of the terriers, the Kennel Club describes
the Norwich as being “fearless” with a “lovable disposition, not
quarrelsome, tremendously active with a hardy constitution.”
Their original aim in life was to kill rats, mice and rabbits.
Historically, East Anglian farmers paid owners to bring their packs of six
to 10 Norwich Terriers to hunt vermin in farms, barns and drains. This was
because a pack of rats could clear a field of kale overnight.
Norwich Terriers were accepted on the Kennel Club Breed Register in
1932, at which time they were known as the drop-eared Norwich Terrier
(now known as the Norfolk Terrier) and prick-eared Norwich Terrier. Both
the Norwich and Norfolk were shown together as one breed – the Norwich
Terrier – until 1964. The Norwich resembles his cousin the Norfolk in many
ways, but the Norwich Terrier’s ears should stand erect when the dog is at
attention, whereas the Norfolk’s should drop forward at the tip. They slightly
differ in temperament, too. Both are friendly with strangers, but a Norwich
would never walk off with one. And, while the Norfolk will go out in any
weather, the Norwich does not like wet weather, and will avoid puddles!
Norwich Terriers are active, courageous, confident and affectionate.
These friendly little dogs love people, are easy to train and good with
children, making them perfect family pets.
Life with a Norwich Terrier
Health:
Norwich Terriers
are generally a hardy
breed, free from many serious
inherited medical conditions.
Their life expectancy is
around 13-15 years.
ratings
Lesley Crawley is the third generation in her family to
own Norwich Terriers. Lesley runs Ragus Kennels (email
ragus.dogs@talktalk.net or call 01977 661 799), which
is the oldest Norwich Terrier breeder in the UK, and
was set up in the 1940s by her mother Majorie Bunting,
Lesley with Pa ris
author of the book Norwich Terrier.
“There are probably not many Norwich Terriers
around today who don’t have Ragus breeding in their pedigree
somewhere!” says Lesley.
The jewel in Lesley’s crown is Paris, who won the prestigious title of Best of
Breed at Crufts this year, and Best in Group at the 2012 event. “I was so thrilled to
win like this,” says Lesley. “Paris is such a great showman but he’s also a lovely
dog to live with because he’s so optimistic. He takes a joy in living.”
Paris’s mother was named after another city, Vienna. But Paris actually got his
name from Greek mythology – Paris was a lover of Helen of Troy. “People often
ask why I called him a female name,” says Lesley. “But it was a male name long
before Paris Hilton ever existed!”
If you’d like to find out more about the Norwich Terrier, visit
www.norwichterrierclub.co.uk or call 01487 822 557
Family friendly
Norwich Terriers get on well with
children and make excellent
family pets
Grooming
The coat should be combed a
couple of times a week, with hand
stripping recommended at least
once a year
Exercise
This active terrier thrives on
games in addition to their
daily walks
Food intake
The Norwich has a good appetite
so needs optimum food and
exercise levels to maintain an
ideal body weight
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11
8
health and safety
summer
safety tips
Make sure your
pet always has
access to shade and fresh
water (try adding a few ice
cubes). Take your dog for a
walk early morning or in the
evening, when it’s cooler.
Brush long-haired cats daily
(matted fur traps heat) and
cool them down by placing a
pack of frozen peas under their
blanket or bed, or stroking with
damp towels. If you go out,
check your curious feline isn’t
locked in a suntrap, such as a
greenhouse or conservatory.
6
Some common garden plants
can be toxic to animals, including lilies
(cats), laburnum (dogs), and daffodils,
rhododendron and yew (cats and dogs)
– check with your garden centre. Always
take extra care when using garden
chemicals and fertilisers: cat poisoning
from slug pellets and ratkiller (by eating
contaminated prey) is
sadly very common.
12
KNOW THE SIGNS OF heatstroke
Heatstroke can be fatal, so if your pet exhibits
symptoms such as faster panting, excessive drooling,
darkened gums, agitation, staggering, vomiting or diarrhoea, seek
advice from a vet immediately. Old, young and overweight pets
are more at risk.
Originally desert animals,
cats love to sunbathe – and so
do some dogs. Apply special pet
sunblock to tips of the ears, nose,
belly and groin, where there is
usually less fur. White and albino
cats are particularly vulnerable.
Never use human sunblock as it
can irritate your pet’s tongue, throat
and stomach if they try to lick it off.
BE AWARE OF
garden DANGERS
Fleas thrive in hot weather,
so be extra-vigilant. Ticks are also active
in summer and can transmit Lyme
disease, which can be fatal to humans.
If your pet has been roaming in long
grass, check for the dark, pea-sized
creatures between toes, inside the ears
and around the neck – your veterinary
nurse will be able to safely remove
ticks. Check also for grass seeds, which
may irritate paws, eyes or ears. Don’t
attract ‘tasty’ slugs and snails by leaving
pets’ bowls and toys outside. Molluscs
often carry the larvae of lungworm, a
potentially lethal parasite.
4
PROTECT FROM
sunburn
2
WATCH OUT FOR
CREEPY CRAWLIES
5
THINK BBQ SAFETY
Keep pets well away from the hot grill and BBQ leftovers,
particularly cooked bones. The splinters may become
lodged in or puncture your pet’s digestive tract. Don’t leave sugary
food or drinks around that may attract wasps (see below).
the garden,
7 In
avoid using
cocoa shell mulch,
which contains the
same ingredient as
chocolate and is
toxic to dogs.
www.wellbeloved.com
8
Stings and bites
Insect stings can cause pain,
redness and swelling. Scrape
out a bee sting gently with a blunt
object (such as a bank card), then bathe
the area in weak bicarbonate of soda
solution. A sting in or near the mouth
may inhibit your pet’s breathing, so seek
urgent advice from your vet. Adder bites
are another hazard: look out for two small
puncture wounds in the centre
of the swelling. Consult
your vet immediately.
images: Getty
3
1
Cool it
Summer’s here at last!
Follow our top tips for
keeping your dog or cat
safe, calm and cool
celebrity interview
…with
Jacqueline
Wilson
As well as
being an awardwinning author
of over 100 children’s
books, including The Story of Tracy Beaker
and The Illustrated Mum, Dame Jacqueline
Wilson is a proud ambassador for Battersea
Dogs & Cats Home
Q: Did you grow up with pets?
A: I absolutely longed for a dog, but we lived in a council flat with
strict rules on pets, so I was never allowed one. Instead, I would invent
imaginary pets for the companionship I desired. For my eighth birthday,
I was given a toy dog that looked quite realistic. I would tuck it under
my arm and pretend it was real, hoping that the elderly ladies who
came past and smiled would believe it was too!
Q: What pets do you currently have?
A: I have two beautiful grey and white cats from Battersea Dogs &
Cats Home. Jacob, who’s coming up to four, is a little wary of strangers,
possibly because he was found as a very young kitten fending for
himself. However, he’s now extremely happy to snuggle up with us.
Then I have Lily, just under a year old, who I fell in love with when I went
to Battersea to buy some Christmas cards last year. She’s absolutely
adorable and at the stage where she’s old enough to go out, so she
climbs trees and explores our neighbour’s roof. She’s like all cats – pretty
fearless when it comes to heights and I find it hard to watch her, but it’s
something that you just have to let your cats learn for themselves.
Q: Any funny habits?
A: Jacob has become so sweet and protective over Lily, just like a
big brother. If Lily is in the garden, he’ll wait and watch her. When she
climbed her first tree, Jacob could sense I was panicking and you could
almost see him sigh as if to say: ‘Alright, I’ll show her the way,’ and
he climbed up the tree, too. Lily simply adores him. Whenever Jacob
wants to settle down for a snooze, she’ll edge herself towards him until
she’s lying right up against him. He’s very good, he’ll lick her face and
she’ll wriggle and fidget – they both have the loveliest natures.
Q: You tackle some difficult subjects in your
books. Do you think pets help us to understand
and cope with tough situations?
A: Funnily enough my latest book, Queenie, is set in the 1950s when
in long-stay children’s hospitals it was common for there to be a cat
on each ward for the children to cuddle. The little girl in the story is
Ja cqueline with Ja cob, one
of her Battersea cats
cheered tremendously by a white cat called Queenie on her own
children’s ward. I know if I were in hospital for a long time, one
of the worst things would be not to have my calm, purring cats
around. I think cats are wonderful – they seem to sense poorliness
and blue moods – and they also don’t care what you look like, or
tell anyone your secrets!
Q: Have you ever referenced any of your pets
in your books?
A: I have my own monthly magazine, The Jacqueline Wilson
Magazine and I always write about Jacob and Lily. What’s nice is
that I get lots of letters from children who, for one reason or another,
aren’t allowed pets. By reading about my cats they can imagine
having a pet and ask all sorts of questions. I have often noticed at
book signings that some children have little photographs of my cats
in their purses, which is terribly sweet.
Q: Tell us about your involvement
with Battersea Dogs & Cats Home
A: I’m very proud to say I am an ambassador for Battersea. I take
my role seriously, because I think it’s a fabulous charity and my two
little Battersea cats have given me endless love. I’ve also got to
know a lot of the staff and find the work they do so moving. As well
as the happy families who come looking for a rescue
pet, there are people who might
be a bit lonely or might have a
ueenie,
book, Q y and
’s
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n
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e
disability, and they’re so very
Jacqu ut in Februar ck,
carefully matched up with
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their perfect pet, which is
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To find ersea, visit
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www.batt
www.wellbeloved.com
13
pull
if you want to go faster…
training tips
Getting your dog to walk calmly to heel
on a lead without pulling may sound
easy but, as many a dog owner will tell
you, the reality can be rather different!
We ask canine behaviour expert Paddy Driscoll of the
Association of Pet Dog Trainers for some advice
14
www.wellbeloved.com
When
choosin
g
a colla
one th r, select
a
buckle t is flat
collar t d or a clip
hat d
tightenoesn’t
D
ogs that pull are, quite literally,
a pain in the neck! Some
dogs pull so hard they harm
themselves. Yet they seem
to choose to do it as hapless owners are
dragged along in their wake. Why do they do
it when it’s obviously so uncomfortable?
To figure it out, it’s worth putting yourself in
your dog’s position. Imagine you’re a puppy,
out exploring the world for the first time. It’s
full of exciting smells and wonderful things to
investigate. Wow! You go to check them out
and your owner, seeing your cute and excited
little face, is only too happy to let you. The fact
that the lead attached to your collar tightens a
little bit as you move forward is barely noticed.
But it is happening, and over time as you
grow stronger, sometimes you find you have
to pull a little harder to get to the park or to
say hello to that friend. By the time you weigh
20 kilograms, the habit of pulling is not only
well established, it has been highly rewarded.
You learn that pulling gets you places you
want to be, and your owner lets you… so why
would you not pull?
It takes two to pull
To get your dog to understand that pulling is
(quite literally) not the way forward, you need
to teach what you do want, not what you
don’t. Start in the house and garden. Put the
lead on, but leave it trailing on the ground or
have it looped loosely over a finger. Do not
tighten it at all – it takes two to pull! In the
hand nearest the dog have a few
treats. You might use food treats to lure
the dog, but it’s best if you don’t.
Step by step
Get your dog to follow you and after just one
step, say “good dog!”, (or click if you are using
a clicker) stop moving, then feed a small treat
next to you. If your dog has moved ahead,
attract them back next to you, and feed
another. Feed a few more until it is clear your
dog is thinking more about staying next to you
rather than moving ahead. Then hold the lead
properly. Make sure it is loose. Over a period
of days, repeat this ‘step by step’ walking,
stopping to reward frequently, and changing
direction at random.
Imagine you’re
a puppy, out
exploring the
world for the first
time. You learn
that pulling gets
you places you
want to be
Mind the gap
Over time, gradually increase the gaps between
treats, but always make sure you stop and feed
the dog treats for staying still with you when
you stand still. Don’t feed a treat if your dog
tightens the lead and then moves back or you
could be rewarding the pulling
Once your dog can do this around the house
and garden, repeat the process in other places, but
going back to rewarding every step until they get
as good at it on walks as they are at home. Until
your dog understands how to walk on a loose
lead, do not walk them on a collar and lead unless
you are training. Use a head collar or a
harness (see panel below) until your
dog has learned what to do.
Taking the lead
Are the alternatives to the traditional collar and lead any better? Paddy looks at the pros and cons…
Harnesses These need to be the right size for your dog
and to fit properly and be comfortable
images: Getty, Alamy
Pros
• They manage dogs when they pull so it is less damaging to them
• Allows pulling in some circumstances when you don’t mind it
Cons
• The dog might not learn the
difference between pulling on a
harness and pulling on a collar
• Some harnesses work to stop
pulling by causing discomfort
and even pain… do not use them
• Allows the dog to learn
pulling ahead of you ‘works’
to get places
Head collars These can be helpful
to manage a large strong dog once you
have learned to hold the lead loosely and
the dog isn’t pulling too much
Pros
• Takes the pulling power away from big,
strong dogs
Cons
• The dog needs to learn
to like wearing one
• Can cause injury if
used with a long or
retractable lead. Care
must be taken not to
allow whiplash
www.wellbeloved.com
But never choose
a choke chain…
These are designed
to cause pain or
discomfort and can
injure the dog. These
days we have far
better, kinder ways
to teach dogs what
we want of them.
15
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Celebr
a
ting
25 amazing
It’s now a quarter of a century since Dogs for the
Disabled was set up and the great news is that this
wonderful, life-transforming charity, is going from
strength to strength…
£12,000
How much it
costs to fund a
dog from birth
to fully trained
assistance
dog
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16
ogs for the Disabled has come
a long way since Frances Hay,
inspired by the help she received
from her own dog Kim after
she lost a leg at the age of 16, established the
charity in 1988. In 2000, it opened its training
headquarters – The Frances Hay Centre in
Banbury, Oxfordshire – and, in 2004, the charity
became the first in the UK to train dogs to help
young people with disabilities.
Freedom and independence
Steve Billington, Marketing Director of Dogs for
the Disabled, says: “Although Frances Hay died
in 1990, her legacy is a life-transforming charity,
creating exceptional partnerships between
people living with disability and specially trained
assistance dogs. Through practical assistance,
a dog can offer freedom and independence.”
www.wellbeloved.com
Initially, the charity’s assistance dogs were
trained to help adults only but, in 2004,
it introduced the first assistance dogs for
physically disabled children. A year later, the
first regional office in the South West, located
in Bristol, opened, followed in 2008 by the
Northern centre at Nostell, Yorkshire. Next
came PAWS (Parents Autism Workshops and
Support), which was set up in 2010 to provide
practical demonstrations of the benefits of
training a family pet dog to help autistic children.
Steve continues: “Currently, there are 267
assistance dogs working in partnership with adults,
children and families with a child with autism,
36 dogs (including Ava, sponsored by James
Wellbeloved!) in training and 69 puppies out with
volunteer puppy socialisers.” All this is even more
astonishing when you consider that the charity
receives no government funding and relies entirely
charity partnership
years
y
Supported b ved
lo
e
llb
e
W
s
Jame
630
The total number
of assistance dogs
trained by
Dogs for the
Disabled
on donations and fundraising to meet its £3 million
annual running costs. Steve adds: “There are many
more people we could help – we receive more than
2,000 requests a year.”
n in credible
Dogs ca nehffaecvet awh e n a child
ca lmin g m is a n gry, a n xiou s or
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distre ss ed child fro m dis ru ptive or
distra ct a s be h a viou r – a s well
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a s h el pin de wit h his pet dog Cla u d
Here’s Ju
The next 25 years
180
The number
of assistance
dogs working in
partnership with
adults with a
disability
2-8
ember
t
p
e
S
2013
With various 25th anniversary celebrations taking
place throughout 2013 – including a £25 individual
gift appeal, sponsorship of the 25th anniversary
puppy, Silver, a Skydive and the Ben Nevis 25th
Anniversary Challenge Trek – the charity is already
looking forward to the next 25 years. Exciting new
projects include a collaboration with Alzheimer
Scotland to train dogs to help people affected by
dementia. Core tasks include support for daily
living routines such as walking, eating, getting
exercise and going to bed, and prompts to take
medicine and drink fluids. Dogs can also act as
an ‘emotional anchor’ by making someone feel
safe when they’re alone or confused.
Steve says: “Dogs for the Disabled has been on a
fantastic journey over the last 25 years and we can’t
wait to see what we can achieve – with the help of all
our supporters – in the next 25 years and beyond.”
Sa m Da ly
dy st rop h y, ,awn dh o h a s m u scu la r
his a ssista n ce d
Jo si e won
og
a wa rd at Cthrueft‘Fsri e n d s fo r Life ’
“Josie is m y be st in 2010. Sa m sa id:
su pe r p rou d of h frie n d a n d I a m
e r.”
Could you raise the most
with coffee and toast?
Look out for
our Dogs for the
Disabled online photo
competition, starting
mid-August.Visit
www.wellbeloved.com
for more details...
images: Getty
If you’d like to become a supporter and help raise funds for
Dogs for the Disabled, then Big Dogs Breakfast is a fun way
to get involved! Simply hold a breakfast with friends, family or
colleagues and ask for donations. Despite the name, dogs are
optional! The September event will be supported by mascots ‘Toastie’
and ‘Honey’ and you can find out more about this event, and other ways you can
help the charity, by visiting www.dogsforthedisabled.org or calling 01295 252 600.
What’s more, James Wellbeloved, which has proudly supported Dogs
for the Disabled since 2010, has a very special promotion coming
up. If you buy a James Wellbeloved 1.5kg or 2kg bag of dry dog food
between 10 August and 6 September, you’ll receive a free Toastie or
Honey mascot to take home with you! While stocks last, subject to availability.
www.wellbeloved.com
17
readers’ pets
my four-legged friend
and me
I
n February 2009, I met a one-year-old
Siberian Husky at a rescue centre. I was
told he was a bit of a handful, but looking
through the bars, I could tell there was a
gentle side to him. His eyes were down, slightly
sinister, and he was terribly underweight – but I
felt a connection to him. I thought then, maybe
this is the one.
Julia Bennet and her
Siberian Husky, Wolfred,
have become a fantastic
team, enriching the lives
of foster children. But
their own relationship
took an enormous
amount of hard work
and dedication…
Howling wolf
The first night I had Wolfred, as soon as I turned
the lights off, he howled like a real-life wolf. He was
a nightmare for a long time. Standing at five foot
tall, he dug craters in the garden, chewed chair
legs, ate books and cushions, and even clothes
from the washing line. He also had to have a year’s
worth of wormers over the course of one month. In
total, it took about a year to clear his health up.
Early on, I decided the best way to train
Wolfred was to learn about his breed. Huskies are
designed to live in a harsh environment, to have
control in a situation and to have a friend, as well
as a master. We attended a training school, and
I’m thrilled to say that he passed the Kennel Club
Good Citizen Dog Scheme Silver Award.
Fostering friends
Wolfred really is my right-hand man. Three years
ago, I changed my career path and began
fostering children. We both had to be assessed,
and I was so proud when I was told he would
be a fantastic dog for children to live with.
Sometimes I think fostering without him would be
quite difficult. He is such a good egg – he puts up
with children larking about and shouting all around
him and, despite being this enormous dog, he
just lies there. Very occasionally, he will get up and
walk over to one of them and woof, just once.
He’s quite a character.
It’s known widely throughout foster care that
having animals in the home is hugely beneficial to
children. Not only do they teach responsibility and
care, but I can sit down with a struggling child and
tell them Wolfred’s story – how he wasn’t cared
for before he came to me. You can see the cogs
turning in the child’s head – they recognise and
relate to Wolfred, and therefore it helps them to
process their own situation.
A great team
A neighbour once said to one of my foster
children: “If you’re nice to that dog, he will be the
best friend you will ever have in your life.” She’s
right, of course, and the children adore him. They
read to him, and even those that can’t will sit on
an armchair with Wolfred and make up stories.
And when he howls along to the telephone’s
ringtone, they screech with laughter. What
Wolfred has overcome is amazing. He’s a huge
asset, and we make a great team.
18
Wi n a yea r’s supply of pet food!
s in their stories. We do read all
Thank you to everyone who send
to pick a winner. Tell us about
h
of them and it’s always very toug
writing to ‘My four-legged
by
t
ferre
or
cat
dog,
your amazing
e, Fourth Floor, Embassy
azin
friend and me’, Wellbeloved Mag
ol, BS8 1SB, or email
Brist
on,
Clift
ue,
Aven
House, Queens
Any pets featured in
om.
anna.wellbeloved@specialistuk.c
ssional photoshoot
profe
a
in
part
take
will
e
azin
Wellbeloved mag
.
food
pet
of
ly
and win a year’s supp
www.wellbeloved.com
experts
ask the
W rit e to:
lems,
Pet Prob
agazine,
M
d
e
v
se,
Wellbelo
assy Hou
b
loor, Em
F
,
h
n
rt
o
u
ft
o
li
F
venue, C
Queens A SB, or email
81
S
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l
.com
Bristo
cialistuk
ved@spe
lo
e
b
ll
e
anna.w
Thank you for sending in your letters about pet behavioural problems
and health issues. Our experts are always happy to offer their advice
the panel
Please note: Our experts cannot enter into one-to-one correspondence with readers.
DR Bradley
Viner
Bradley is an
experienced
veterinarian who
regularly offers
advice on TV.
paddy
Driscoll
Paddy is a very
experienced canine
behaviour teacher
and a member of
the Association of
Pet Dog Trainers.
Juan's in a mood with us!
MAT
WARD
Mat is a certified
clinical animal
behavourist.
CLAIRE
BESSANT
Claire is a leading
cat expert and
chief executive
of International
Cat Care.
O
ur seven-month-old kitten Juan cannot figure
out his cat flap. We have tried taping it open,
but other cats come in and out, spraying and causing
bother, so we’ve now bought a microchip cat flap that
only lets Juan in. He's not scared of anything else
and is very inquisitive, but he refuses to go near his
flap. He’ll go in and out if you hold it open for him,
but if it's shut he sits and meows at the door, pawing
at it for us to let him out. We have tried pushing him
through it, but he stretches his paws out either side
of it to stop himself. We've tried treats inside and out
and have covered it in catnip, but still no joy. Since
we have installed it, he has been sitting under the
bed in a big fat mood with us. Please help!
20
www.wellbeloved.com
Claire says: It could be that Juan has
had an experience he has not forgotten
when you had those visitors who came
and visited through the previous cat flap.
Cats have no pack to protect them and
have to survive through learning fast
to avoid danger or situations that have
previously been threatening. Unless you
can make this a rewarding experience
(and I can see that you have tried to do
this using treats), then he is unlikely to be
persuaded that this contraption is a good
idea! As he is hiding under the bed he is
perhaps being affected by the attention
you are focusing on this and him, and
obviously feels somewhat threatened.
Perhaps it’s best to forget the whole
thing for a while. You could bring the old
cat flap into the safety of the house and
make it part of a play area where the
cat goes through in a game, or to get
to somewhere he feels even safer, such
as a cosy box or bed. It may take some
time just to get him to even go near it, but
making it a part of normal, everyday life in
a very safe setting might help. You might
then get him used to pushing it open by
starting with it open and then gradually
closing it a little so he has to push through.
Don’t go too fast or be impatient as
you will put him off again. If you do get to
the point of trying again, then go outside
with him and try and get him to go back
through into the safety of the house where
he does not feel threatened. Give him
something he loves as a reward. He is also
quite young, so the call of the outdoors in
the summer may get a lot stronger, and he
may get frustrated enough to try getting
out through it himself if you are not around
to open the door for him. For the moment,
let him get his confidence back with you,
and then go slowly.
pet problems
A Border Terrier terror!
I
have a 5 ½-year-old Border Terrier
bitch (spayed), who I have had
from a puppy. She is very loving and
a great companion. She used to be
friendly with all other dogs and I
could let her off the lead to run along
the beach where I live. However,
about two years ago, she became very
aggressive towards other dogs and
she just wants to fight them all. She
becomes very frustrated when she
can’t get to them and has ended up
biting me on a couple of occasions,
or grabbing my coat for something to
get her teeth into. It makes walking
her a bit of a trial! I have tried jerking
her lead as soon as she reacts when
seeing another dog and telling her to
‘leave’, but with little success. She is
very friendly with all people (except
cyclists on pavements), but not dogs.
Is there any help or suggestions you
can give me – I’m really at the end of
my tether!
Bradley says: What a pity, because it
sounds like what should be a pleasurable
experience exercising your dog has become
something of a nightmare. I think that, without
realising it, your reaction of jerking on her lead
is only likely to make matters worse. Some
unpleasant event must have occurred when
she was interacting with another dog to spark
this off.
Have her checked over by your vet to ensure
there is no physical reason for her aggression,
such as physical pain, and ask for a referral
to a pet behaviourist, who will oversee a
programme of retraining with your dog. This will
probably initially involve getting her to interact
at a distance with another very calm dog, while
avoiding any other dog-to-dog interactions.
You should positively reward calm and nonaggressive behaviour with a small but tasty
treat, and immediately cease the activity when
she begins to show any signs of aggression. In
this way you should gradually be able to build
up her tolerance with this one dog and, in time,
gradually broaden this to include others. It will
be a long, slow process, but the end result will
be far preferable from the alternative of having
to exercise her on an extending leash, with a
basket-type of muzzle.
Jasper hates car journeys
Can Archie get back on track?
y son has a lovely but highly strung Flat Coated
Retriever, Jasper, who is always happy to jump
into the car but, as soon as the journey starts, he barks,
pants and dribbles all the way. My son has made the boot
space really comfortable with a bed for Jasper, but this
hasn’t helped. He’s a bit better if he’s on the back seat
with his head out the window, but this is not ideal as, if
my son has to brake, Jasper is jolted forward. My son is a
freelance journalist and has to travel a lot – taking Jasper
– it would be wonderful if you could offer a solution.
rchie is a one-year-old, sweet-tempered
Sheltie. Initially, he achieved a lot in puppy
training classes, but when he was six months old,
he was attacked by a French Bulldog and had his
paw crushed. A superb vet helped mend the injury,
but it meant two months of inactivity. Ever since,
he's become needy and naughty. How can we get
his training back on track?
images: Getty, Age Fotostock, Superstock
M
MAT says: Motion sickness or excitement can result in barking,
panting or drooling, but the most likely reason is travel-induced anxiety.
As with all anxiety and fear-related issues, the best way to get Jasper
used to car travel is to expose him to what he is worried about, but at
an intensity he can cope with. If he seems to cope better with his head
near the window, go with it. Have the
window down enough that he can enjoy
the smells, but not so much that his head
fits through. This will ensure he can’t
jump out, and will minimise the risk to
his eyes and ears at high speeds. Use
a harness to prevent him from being
flung forward during braking. Take note
of what trips he is most comfortable
with, and only take him on these until
he becomes more tolerant of being in
the car. End each trip with something
that he loves, such as a visit to the
park, and if he has an appetite give
him a super-special treat during travel.
For more in-car pet
advice, see M at’s
feature on p26
A
PADDY says: It’s difficult when a pup hits being a teenager
and has these kinds of problems at the same time. As long as
training classes use positive methods
and the dogs there are friendly, it can
only be good to continue. Agility
would be excellent longer term (find
a club at agilitynet.co.uk), but he's
still a bit young for much strenuous
activity. It’s possible to make or buy
your own agility obstacles for your
back garden. Scent and searching
type activities are good for building
confidence and helping dogs
become more independent. Many
training clubs incorporate these
into their classes.
It’s also worth bearing in mind
that dogs of any age are quick to be
‘naughty’ if it gains attention. So avoid
engaging with him when he does those
things, and keep objects that he chews
out of his reach, while maintaining plenty of
positive interaction.
www.wellbeloved.com
21
r
e
m
m
u
S
days out
Escape to the country..
Scruffts 2013
COUNTRYWIDE
FAMILY CROSSBREED DOG OF THE YEAR
It takes something very special to be a Scruffts Family
Crossbreed champion – could your dog dazzle the judges?
This summer, the Kennel Club, supported by James
Wellbeloved, is continuing to stage heats for Scruffts 2013
around the UK. Regional winners will be invited to Discover
Dogs 2013 at Earls Court in London in November for the
finals – don’t forget to enter our prize draw on page 5 to
win tickets so you can go along to watch! To enter your
dog, just turn up on the day* at any of the heats listed right.
There are six classes, entry to each class is £2, and all the
money raised goes to the Kennel Club Charitable Trust, to
help ‘make a difference for dogs’. And there’s a free James
Wellbeloved treat for every entrant!
For details see www.crufts.org.uk/scruffts or call the
Scruffts hotline on 0844 463 3980, ext 240.
The Gundog and
Game Fair
Court Farm, Betley,
Cheshire
The tranquil Cheshire/Staffordshire border
countryside offers an ideal setting for the
third annual Gundog and Game Fair, with
plenty of sandy dry ground, woodland,
and water obstacles for gundog scurries
(one of the prizes is a painted portrait
of your dog!). Andy Handley and the
British Ferret Club will host ferret shows
in a special mini-arena all weekend. The
programme also includes chainsaw wood
carving and clay pigeon shooting.
Open 9.30am–5.30pm: admission £10
adults, free for under 16s. For details
see www.thegundogandgamefair.com
or call 07733 282 227
22
13 July: Temple Park Leisure Centre, South Shields
Kent County Show
13–14 July: Kent Showground, Detling, Maidstone
Physio-Vet Dog Show
21 July: Crewe Hall, Crewe
Gables Farm Open Day
27 July: Merafield Road, Plymouth, Devon
International Agility Festival
10 August: Rockingham Castle, Leicestershire
Pembrokeshire Show
14 August: Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire
All About Dogs
25 August: Royal Norfolk Showground, Norwich
Manchester Pet Show
7–8 September: EventCity, Manchester
Dog Fun Day
14 September: Eastleigh, Hampshire
Hearing Dogs Summer Show
15 September: Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire
* Advance registration required for London Pet Show and
Manchester Pet Show
13–14
July
Durham County Show
The Pet Show
20–21
July
Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire
Billed as ‘the largest indoor and outdoor pet show the
UK has ever seen’, this new show will feature dedicated
areas for dogs, cats, small animals, birds, horses and
tropical fish, with the chance to meet, feed, groom or
find out more about everything from Shire horses to
parrots. There’ll also be a daily programme of animal
displays in the main arena, including dog agility and
birds of prey demonstrations.
Open 10am-5pm: tickets
booked in advance cost £14
adults, £9 children 5-17
and seniors, £36.80 family
ticket, free for under-5s.
See www.thepetshow.co.uk
or call 01625 413 081
www.wellbeloved.com
what’s on
17–1
Augus8
t
Oneforall Cat Club
Ancholme Leisure Centre, Brigg,
North Lincolnshire
If you’ve never exhibited before, the Oneforall Cat Club
offers a buddy scheme and a ‘ring school’ to explain
the TICA (The International Cat Association) judging
system. The club welcomes cats and kittens of all breeds
to its shows. A panel of judges from Austria, Belgium,
France, the Netherlands and Sweden will preside at this
year’s summer show, which features 10 all-breed and two
speciality rings.
Details at www.oneforallcatclub.co.uk or call
01724 866 982 or
07814 000 447
Bark in the Park
Lower Castle Park,
Colchester
18
Augus
t
Lower Castle Park will be
transformed into a doggy dreamworld
at this new event, with everything your
best friend needs from dog behaviourists,
free chipping and veterinary support to
canine caterers, specialist retailers, pet photography,
competitions and an agility course.
Open 10am-4pm: admission £2 adults, free for
children under 14. More information at
www.colchestercastlepark.co.uk or call
Colchester Borough Council on 01206 282 222
The
Manchester
Pet Show
Event City,
Manchester
There’s a chance to meet all
7-8
creatures great and small at this
Septem
ber
two-day show, from chinchillas
to chihuahuas, hedgehogs to
hamsters and tortoises to tarantulas.
The action-packed programme
includes agility demonstrations, pet
training and grooming advice, activity zones, talks
by industry experts and opportunities to meet heroic
four-legged friends.
Open 9.30am-5.30pm: advance day tickets
£13 adult, £11 senior/student, £9 child,
£38.50 family ticket. Find out more at
www.manchesterpetshow.com or call
Ticketline on 0844 888 9991
Paws in the Park
The Kent Showground, Detling
New for Paws in the Park 2013 are the UK’s first
dog frisbee displays and a VIP (‘Very Important
Pooch’) training day, offering owners one-to-one
advice from the experts. There’s also the chance
to have a go at fun activities such as ‘My dog’s
got talent’ and a ‘dogstacle course’, plus favourite
doggy entertainment including agility and flyball
competitions, Richard Curtis' canine freestyle,
film and TV stunt celebrity dogs and a unique K9
Aqua Zone, featuring Dash N Splash.
21-22
Septem
ber
Open 9.30am-5pm: advance tickets
22
£8.50 adults, £6.50 seniors and children
Septem
ber aged 3-15, £27/£29 family tickets. Find out
more at www.pawsinthepark.net or call
01730 266 633
Gilberdyke Memorial Hall,
East Yorkshire
All proceeds from this fun event (ferret racing,
skittles and football, an obstacle course,
plus best trick and young handler events)
will go directly to Hull and East Riding Ferret
Rescue, which rehabilitates and rehomes lost,
unwanted and abandoned ferrets. There'll also
be ferret toys, bedding and treats on sale, and
refreshments for hungry ferret owners!
Open 12.30pm-4.30pm: free admission,
50p/£1 per game/race entry. Details
at www.ferretrescue.org.uk or
call 07875 654 571
We’d love to meet you...
The James Wellbeloved team is on the road this summer,
coming to an event near you! We’ve listed a small selection
below, but visit www.wellbeloved.com for our full itinerary
Windsor Championship Dog Show
27-30 June: Home Park, Windsor
Just Dogs Live
5-7 July: East of England Showground,
Peterborough
Leeds Championship Dog Show
26-28 July: Harewood Estate, near Leeds
Paignton & District Fanciers Association
3-6 August: Westpoint Arena, Exeter
International Agility Festival
9-11 August: Rockingham Castle,
Leicestershire
Welsh Kennel Club
16-18 August: Royal Welsh
Showground, Powys
Scottish Kennel Club
24-25 August: Royal Highland Centre,
Edinburgh
Richmond Dog Show
6-8 September: Loseley Park,
Guildford
Darlington Dog Show
13-15 September: Ripon Racecourse,
North Yorkshire
Please contact organisers direct to confirm details of all events before attending, as they may be subject to change. For events
that the James Wellbeloved team is attending, please check www.wellbeloved.com before setting out
images: Getty, Alamy
Ferret fun day
23
yourletters
mailbox
Thanks as always for all of your fabulous letters and photos. We love to hear all
about your pets and what they get up to, so do keep sending them in!
Switching food gave Stanley a boost
star
I thought I would tell you about Stanley, my four-year-old
Deerhound who appeared in your magazine when he was
just a year old. Sadly, four months ago he was diagnosed
with heart failure and a condition that affects the heart
muscle called dilated cardiomyopathy. He stopped eating
and became lethargic and very thin. However, after switching
him onto the Cereal Free range from James Wellbeloved in
an attempt to revitalise his tastebuds, he has regained his
lost weight. He's now on a number of tablets and may not be
destined for a long life, but he is getting a healthy life thanks
to James Wellbeloved.
letter
Lynn and Stanley Irving, by email
The star letter winner will receive a 15kg bag
of James Wellbeloved dog food or a 10kg bag
of James Wellbeloved cat food. Don’t forget,
you can find out about your nearest stockist
online at www.wellbeloved.com
kittens from a rescue centre, who needed foster
carers prepared to bottle-feed and nurture
them in a home, until adoption. So we took the
four little Tuxedo kittens and fed them hourly
for the first few weeks. They thrived and were
eventually introduced to James Wellbeloved
Kitten, as recommended by the RSPCA. In
January, three of the kittens were adopted,
but we kept Sasha, who is now four months
old and sports a curly tail. She's still on James
Wellbeloved, and her wonderful, shiny fur is
growing well. We also have a Yorkshire Terrier,
who has become Sasha’s best friend.
Fou r days old Fou r months old
Sasha's story
Not long ago, I was approved by the RSPCA
as a foster carer for cats and dogs. Last
November, we picked up four, four-day-old
Carole Baker, by email
An active partnership
This is me with my dog, Max. He is a three-yearold yellow Labrador. As you can see, we are both
very active. During the warmer months, we spend
a lot of time making our own agility course in the
back garden, which we both really enjoy. We walk
to our leisure centre every time there is an agility
show on, so we can watch the experienced dogs.
I would like more information on agility in the
magazine as, one day, I would like to be one of the
people in the ring at Crufts.
Sarah McLaughlin, Cambridgeshire
24
pic of lupin?
Candy's in great shape
When we got Candy, a Jack Russell
Terrier/Corgi cross, from a rescue
centre, she was already on James
Wellbeloved food. As she was nine,
we changed her to Senior/Light.
Despite this, she ballooned to 12kg
in two years. We moved Candy onto
Light when the lady in our pet store
told us Senior and Light had been
separated, and put her on a diet.
She has since made steady
progress, and is now at her ideal
weight of 9.5kg. This photo of her
was entered into an online dog
show, where she came second in
the prettiest bitch class.
Trish and Tony Kirby,
Leicester
www.wellbeloved.com
pet
pin-ups
issue
our favourite readers’ pics this
Little Cat
by Tom Cox
Excerpts from a cat
lover’s daily musings
on the feline of the
species…
25 March 2013
My youngest cat, Roscoe, recently celebrated
her first birthday. I asked her if she had learned
to meow properly, and she responded by saying
"Ewehahaew". A simple "no" would have sufficed.
2 April 2013
Ba iley
sent in by Bruce Sutherford
Gra cie
sent in by
Amanda
Button
Roscoe is different from my other lethargic cats.
She's always on her way to some meeting, like a cat
businesswoman. When I got her, I'd hoped she'd
be more cuddly. The only way to get a cuddle is to
wrap a towel around your body. I'm not sure what
it is about towels, but when I'm swaddled in one,
she'll follow me around the house. But a person
can't reasonably be expected to walk around in a
towel all day. I work odd hours, and sometimes can
still be in a dressing gown at 11am, which garners
judgemental looks from the postman. I don't think
opening the door to him wrapped in a towel is going
to improve his perception of me.
19 April 2013
We have a new feral cat in the neighbourhood – not
the nervous ginge who hasn't been seen since I paid
to have his testicles removed. Lighter nights have
revealed this is a bushier cat, who struggles with the
concept that my catflap responds to microchips,
not ghostly meowing. Presumably he's yet another
one who has heard on the grapevine that I'm a
soft touch. As if to prove this, I gently threw some
chicken out the window for him this evening. He
hissed at me with 'gratitude'.
20 May 2013
Mischie f
d
n
a
y
d
d
Te
y,
st
u
R
ndall
ter J Si
sent in by Pe
Woody
sent in by Ross
Wilkinson
It's my birthday today. I celebrated in the traditional
way of all cat slaves, by buying my cats some
extra treats. Roscoe reciprocated by bringing me a
duckling which (before I chased it around the house,
and eventually caught and released it) succeeded
in smearing much of the house with its excrement.
Scrubbing duck poo out of the carpet wasn't exactly
how I'd pictured my first day of being 38...
Tom Cox is the author of the books Under
The Paw: Confessions Of A Cat Man
and Talk To The Tail: Adventures In Cat
Ownership And Beyond, and writes a monthly
column on the countryside and animals for
The Guardian. He lives in Norfolk with his
girlfriend and four cats: The Bear, Ralph, Shipley
and Roscoe. You can follow him on Twitter at
http://twitter.com/cox_tom or visit the Under The
Paw blog at http://littlecatdiaries.blogspot.com
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sent in
Skye a n d Clu do
sent in by Ed
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Keeping calm in the car
Certified clinical animal behaviourist Mat Ward advises on how
you can keep things calm and safe so your pets don’t mind –
and may even enjoy – their in-car experience this summer
M
any dogs love nothing better
than a trip in the car – the
whooshing past interesting
sights and smells can be
extremely exciting! But some dogs and many
cats find travel stressful. The sound, movement,
and rushing landscape can trigger feelings of
apprehension and fear. Here are some simple
recommendations to help ensure your dog or cat
looks forward to their four-wheeled excursions.
Learning to love your car
With dogs that are new to car travel or showing
signs of anxiety, start by letting them spend a
few minutes each day in a stationary car, and
offer them part of their daily food allowance or
a treat while there. This will help them associate
the car with enjoyable experiences. Once a dog
is happily hopping into the car, start taking very
short trips to exciting places.
The anticipation of tasty
food, and a trip to the
Don’t ge
lar
beach or park, will
feed a t before
n
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meal off. Pets ca d
soon mean that
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get ca a large am re
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ease
imme g can incr
leaping into the car,
in
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travell e likelihoois
and
the length of
th
of th
trips can then be
gradually increased.
as dogs, so they don’t have as much chance to
get used to it; 2) when we do take our cats for a
drive it’s often to the vet or a cattery, which can
be stressful; and 3) cats don’t cope as well as
dogs when away from their familiar territory.
The first step in getting cats used to travel is
to teach them to enter their cat carrier voluntarily.
Teach your cat that the carrier is their own private
fine-dining establishment. Bring it out every day
or two, and place special food treats in the back
before putting it on the ground. After some initial
caution during the first session or two, your cat
will soon be rushing into the carrier to enjoy their
special meal. Once they start doing this, stop
putting the food in and wait until they are in the
carrier looking for their treat. Then slowly shut the
door and hand them the food through the bars.
Next, extend the time they’re in the carrier, and
the distance they are carried or driven, before
they get their treats. By taking things slowly, and
linking the carrier
with treats, you can
teach cats to be every
bit as relaxed as your average
dog during car trips.
Comfort and safety
Ensure your pet has a safe journey by using
appropriate safety equipment. Use a dog
harness if your dog travels in the back seat,
or a dog guard if they’re in the boot area. For
longer journeys, cats should travel in carriers
that are large enough to place a litter tray in
one end, but still have room for the cat to
comfortably stretch out. Securing your cat
carrier with a seatbelt increases their safety.
Break up long journeys with frequent stops
for your dog. Take a walk somewhere with
interesting smells, and the opportunity to toilet.
Use a no-spill water bowl, or offer them a drink
at each stop. Ensure they are microchipped,
wearing a collar with your mobile number on,
and keep them on the lead. Unless your cat is
a very seasoned traveller, don’t let them out of
their carrier until you get indoors or back home!
A s k M at
Get your cat on board
Cats are typically less enthusiastic about trips in
the car. There are three main reasons for this:
1) we don’t tend to drive cats about as much
26
A
pet beanbag
can help your pet
create a safe spot
to nestle in to sleep,
without rolling about
too much with the
motion of
the vehicle
www.wellbeloved.com
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images: Getty
BEHAVIOUR TIPS:
Win
competition
Get out and about and discover the fascinating
story of England – pets are often welcome too!
an annual family membership
I
with English Heritage
n the summer, there’s
nothing better than getting
out and about and exploring.
We’re particularly lucky in
England with our rich cultural and
historical heritage, which includes
such highlights as Henry VIII’s
spectacular Pendennis Castle in
Falmouth, Cornwall; Wrest Park in
Bedfordshire – one of Britain’s largest
and most important ‘secret gardens’
– a wonderful 90-acre historic
landscape with restored Italian and
Rose Gardens and miles of reinstated
historic pathways, which are perfect
for dog walking; and Belsay Hall,
Castle & Gardens in Northumberland,
with its huge grade 1 listed heritage
garden, lovingly restored and packed
with an impressive array of plants.
The super news is that you can
take your dog to many English
Heritage sites – just check before you
visit the location of your choice.
Our star prize
Runners-up
prizes
If you’re out and
about this summer,
why not try out some
dog breed spotting?
I-Spy Dogs is a fun
book where you spot
the 150 breeds of dog
to score points. You
can also learn about
the different breeds
as you spot them with
your dog! I-Spy Dogs, priced at
£2.50, can be bought from the
Kennel Club Online Shop at
www.the-kennel-club.org.uk
Fin
www.en d out more at
glish-he
ritag
or call
0870 33 e.org.uk
3 1182
image: Getty
Wellbeloved magazine has teamed
up with English Heritage to offer a
one-year family membership to one
lucky reader. As well as free entry
to over 400 English Heritage sites,
members also benefit from free or
reduced-price entry to hundreds of
events and attractions, plus a free
handbook and members’ magazine
to help you plan your visits.
How to enter
To be in with a chance of winning this fabulous prize, or one of 10 copies of I-Spy Dogs, simply
answer this question:
Q: Which long-reigning British monarch had a whole array of pets including Dash, a
King Charles Spaniel, Hector the Greyhound and Nero the Deerhound, immortalised
in a painting by Sir Edwin Landseer in 1834?
A) Queen Anne B) Queen Victoria C) Queen Mary 1
Send your answer, with your name, address and phone number, to: English Heritage Competition,
Wellbeloved Magazine, Fourth Floor, Embassy House, Queens Avenue, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1SB, or
email anna.wellbeloved@specialistuk.com by the closing date of 31 August 2013.
Terms and conditions: The first winner, selected at random after the closing date, will win one year’s family membership to English Heritage. This consists of two adults and up to six children per adult, under 19 years of age, in
the family group. The next 10 names randomly selected will win a copy of I-Spy Dogs. The competition is only open to residents of the UK who are over 18 years old. Employees of James Wellbeloved and Specialist UK Ltd are
not eligible to enter, nor are any subsidiaries, affiliates or suppliers of said organisations. Only one entry per person is permitted. Only those entries with the correct answer will be put forward to the prize draw stage. The editor’s
decision is final. There is no cash alternative and no transfer or assignment of prizes will be permitted.
www.wellbeloved.com
27