This Canine Law is an Ass!

So yet again responsible dog owner have to cough up and support a system where only the RSPCA will benefit. The newspapers are full of the news that from Monday 23rd April all litters of puppies will have to be micro chipped before they are sold to new homes. Already the likes of the Daily Mail are showing images of dangerous dogs snarling and spitting ready to pounce and devour small children. How will chipping a little puppy stop this?

Will the kind of people who breed indiscriminately and advertise in newsagents windows bother to micro chip their puppies?
Will the people breeding dogs for fighting micro chip their puppies?
Will the puppy farmers micro chip the puppies they breed?
Will Joe Public who doesn't read canine publications or give a toss about canine welfare bother to micro chip the puppies he sells when all he wants to do is raise a few thousand pounds?

None of the above tend to health test or provide after care to the puppies they breed. They are damn sure not going to micro chip a puppy.

Yet again it will be decent caring dog owners and breeders who follow the law. The same people who are taking the flack from charities such as the RSPCA as being the ones who breed unhealthy dogs. These are the ones who will be stumping up £35 to line the pockets of vets and charities who jump on the chipping bandwagon.

The law is an ass and this time it has gone a step too far. The only people to profit from this expensive waste of time is the RSPCA who will receive a large slice of the financial pie provided to control this exercise.

I will never have a dog of mine micro chipped. I will never purchase a puppy with a micro chip in it's tiny body. I'm happy to sign any document to absolve the breeder I purchase from of any responsibility but I will never agree to archaic rules pushed through government by a charity most of the canine world hates.

What will the RSPCA do if they find a puppy that has not been micro chipped? Will they take a bolt gun to it as they did those ten German Sheherd dogs so cruelly destroyed? They cannot turn out to many calls sent to their centres at the moment let alone police a law such as this.

I've been waiting for over one month to hear about a case that was lodged with the above charity. An officer rang my phone and left a message - did dhe leave a number? No! Dialing 1471 the number was hidden. I had to wait for her to ring again. A week later she rang and the same occured. It's such a shame that with the millions of pounds this charity has in its coffers it cannot teach employees how to make a phone call isn't it?

I've been invited onto Radio Five Live tonight at 10.15 this evening to discuss my views and will be following this latest law against decent dog owners with interest.

Whizz Bang Pop!

It's Friday evening, the night before Guy Fawkes night and already there is smoke in the air and the sound of rockets popping overhead. In years past I would have been worrying about my dogs and trying to take their attention away from the scary noises. This year with just Buster and Squidgey with us I realise that the dogs who hated the noise the most are now at Rainbow Bridge and safe from the stress.

What tips can I give you at this time of year?

1. Stay home with your dogs. Don't go out and leave them as fear can not only make them ill but you could come home to a lot of mess! In fact for a week either side of 5th November we never leave the dogs alone after dark.

2. Change their feeding routine and feed them later in the day. A dog with a full tummy sleeps.

3. Turn the TV a little louder and leave a radio on in each room. Close the curtains as dusk approaches and shut out the outside world.

4. Dogs will need to go out to relieve themselves. Encourage your dog to go into the garden as much as possible during the day and on their walk. Then later in the evening after the children have had their firework parties and before the pubs kick out for the next round of noise.

5. Go into the garden with your dog if they need to relieve themselves during the evening. Have a patio light turned on as your dog will be able to see his surrounding. It will make him feel safe.

6. A cuddle and a lot of fuss goes a long way to keeping your dog calm.

7. Try not to resort to sedatives as drugs could make your dog very unhappy.

8. If this is your first November 5th with your dog and it becomes obvious you have a problem plan ahead for next year. For example:

Have your dog get used to loud noises. There are CDs on the market that can be left on a low setting all day which will help your dog get used to the sudden bangs of the fireworks. I have found these very helpful but not when you have several dogs. One nervous dog can set the other off. You do need to have the CD for several months before the noisy night but start now and you will be ready for the New Year celebrations.

http://www.petvetcare.co.uk/cgi-bin/sh000001.pl?REFPAGE=http%3a%2f%2fwww%2epetvetcare%2eco%2euk%2facatalog%2fOther_Training_Aids_Includeing_Sound_Therapy_CD_s_%2ehtml&WD=cd%20noise&PN=Other_Training_Aids_Includeing_Sound_Therapy_CD_s_%2ehtml%23a1_21422#a1_21422

Dog Appeasing Pheromone (DAP) Diffusers are plug in units that release calms the dog by flooding the room with calming pheromones. Creating a safe atmosphere for the dog. Available from all good pet stores or online:

http://www.vetuk.co.uk/dog-behaviour-dog-appeasing-pheromone-adaptil-c-837_2/dog-appeasing-pheromone-adaptil-dap-diffuser-p-6

Herbal products can be very helpful and Dorwest are one of the best companies to visit:

http://www.dorwest.com/Catalogue/Fireworks/Firework-Product-Pack-LARGE-FWPK-LRG

With lots of praise and no scolding you and your dog will survive firework night!