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Dog Lovers Book Club - May 2020

Make a dog mum's day memorable with this Mother's Day selection of books for dog lovers. 

Our gift guide highlights the latest dog book releases in fiction, non-fiction, lifestyle/design, bios so you can give Mum a present to keep her entertained during her self-iso! You'll also find some illustrated children's books and educational options to keep the non fur-kids busy.

GOOD DOG
by Kate Leaver

Celebratory, joyous and moving, this is a book about the profoundly healing, curative qualities of dogs - and how we need dogs in our lives more than ever.

Good Dog is about the power of canine friendship - in particular the profoundly healing role that dogs can play in our lives - a celebration of the extraordinary creatures who change - and sometimes even save - our lives.

Covering the science and history of our extraordinary relationship with dogs, and focusing on the role that dogs can play in enriching and improving our mental and emotional health and our lives, Good Dog is a celebration of the most remarkable cross-species friendship on the planet. 

Good Dog focuses on ten powerful, personal stories of dogs and their owners, from Missy the Pug, who has allowed 10-year-old autistic Cody to live his best life to Darcy, who spends precious time in a children's hospice; from Pip, who helps her teenage owner manage her diabetes, to Jingles, who works in therapy and rehab at a prison.

Paperback, 288 pages
Publisher: Harper Collins Australia, 20th April 2020


RRP: $29.99
at www.booktopia.com.au

DR CLAIRE’S LOVE YOUR DOG
by Dr Claire Stevens

Being a responsible and educated dog owner is no easy task. 

Owners often feel overwhelmed trying to make the right decisions for their cuddly canine, and that’s no surprise when they are faced with difficult choices regarding pet insurance, vaccinations, diet, surgery, medical procedures and so much more. 

This book helps owners make sense of all that and supports them in truly being their dog’s best friend. The expert and user-friendly advice from a practising Australian vet includes: a complete canine care guide following the life stages of a dog; practical advice on all aspects of caring for your furry friend; canine behaviour and training; and coverage of the common canine diseases.

This expert and user-friendly book supports owners in truly being their dogs’ best friend. Dr Claire advises on: the life stages of your dog; all aspects of caring for your furry friend, including pet insurance, vaccinations, diet and general health; behaviour and training; common canine diseases; and so much more.

Paperback, 320 pages 
Publisher:Woodslane, 1st May 2020

RRP: $39.99 in all good bookstores or online at www.booktopia.com.au

AT HOME IN THE ENGLISH COUNTRYSIDE
Designers and Their Dogs

by Susanna Salk

A walk down a scenic country lane with a Labrador and tea with pugs in a cosy dwelling - there is a close connection between the British countryside and dogs. In this book, leading U.K. designers share the stylish country homes that they enjoy with their dogs.

At Home in the English Countryside showcases a mix of casually aristocratic or glamorously bohemian country houses captured in original photography and lively text. 

Presented are the strikingly beautiful abodes of many of Great Britain's top international designers, from Paolo Moschino and Kit Kemp to Anouska Hempel and Sophie Conran. Canines of several sizes and breeds, among them pedigreed pugs, a whippet, and a terrier, are seen in their picturesque homes, full of chintz and antiques, and gardens of fragrant flowers alongside their beloved companions.

Each dog owner offers advice for sharing a home with his or her beloved canine companions. Collars (one of custom leather and green malachite), dog bowls of antique Spode porcelain, and chic and comfy napping spots are shown. Anglophiles will be inspired by the dreamy lives of these designers and their pups.

Hardcover, 224 pages
Publisher: Rizzoli International Publications, 17th March 2020


Price: $77.95 at www.booktopia.com.au

THE LONELY HEARTS DOG WALKERS
by Sheila Norton

Can Nicola find her happy fur-ever after?

After separating from her husband, newly single Nicola decides to move back home to Furzewell - although living with her six-year-old daughter, Mia, and her mum, Ros, is not the future she'd ever imagined for herself.

Struggling to pick up the pieces, Ros suggests Nicola throw herself into village life. Things look to finally be on the up when Nicola gets a new job at the local school and also starts to make new friends, joining the Lonely Hearts Dog Walkers. But when the local playground is threatened by developers, the future begins to look more uncertain than ever. Can Nicola fight to protect her new community and find her happy fur-ever after?

A heartwarming and feelgood novel about love, friendship and community

Paperback, 464 pages
Publisher: Penguin Ebury Publishing, 31st March 2020


RRP: $34.60 at www.booktopia.com.au

A DOG CALLED HARRY
by Jill Baker

A moving memoir of a dog dubbed 'Dirty Harry' who helped a broken woman love life again.

You want a friend, get a dog - Gordon Gekko

'Jeez, look at you, my friend blurted. 'You hardly smile. You used to be hilarious but you haven't laughed in weeks.'
She listed the things she thought might help: a bottle of wine, six months at the beach, a year overseas.
I was having none of it.
Finally, she said: 'Jill, you need something to love.'
She was right. I needed someone who cuddled me at night and was still excited to see me in the morning. I just hadn't met him yet.

Newspaper editor Jill Baker arrived home to find her husband dead on the bedroom floor. Within weeks, still in shock, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and told her chances of surviving. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatment followed in a year from hell.

At her lowest ebb, Jill took a chance. She needed something or somebody to make life worth living again. But could it really be a crazy, howling, snoring, digging, chewing, barking orange pup?

Turns out Harry and Jill were made to be together. They are an unlikely duo. Jill is quiet, Harry is loud as hell. Jill meticulously plans the day while Harry says let's wing it. She sips pinot while he's an espresso martini guy. Theirs is a beautiful friendship, an unbreakable bond.

A Dog Called Harry is the moving story of a dog dubbed Dirty Harry who helped Jill love life again.

Paperback, 336 pages
Publisher: Hachette Australia, 25th February 2020


RRP: $32.99 at www.booktopia.com.au

BOOK CLUB – KIDS’ CORNER

BEL RIA 
Dog of War
by Sheila Burnford

Sheila Burnford, the author of The Incredible Journey, offers the spellbinding tale of a small dog caught up in the Second World War, and of the extraordinary life-transforming attachments he forms with the people he encounters in the course of a perilous passage from occupied France to besieged England.

Nameless, Burnford's hero first turns up as a performing dog, a poodle mix earning his keep as part of a gypsy caravan that is desperately fleeing the Nazi advance. Taken on ship by the Royal Navy, he is given the name of Ria and serves as the scruffy mascot to a boatload of sailors. 

Marooned in England in the midst of the Blitz, Ria rescues an old woman from the rubble of her bombed house, and finds himself unexpectedly transformed into Bel, the coiffed and pampered companion of her old age. 

Bel Ria is an exciting story about a compellingly real, completely believable dog. Readers of all sorts and ages will find in Bel Ria a companion to take to heart.

Paperback, 224 pages
Publisher: Nyrb Kids, 19th March 2020
For Ages: 9 - 11 years old


Price: $26.50 at www.booktopia.com.au

THE DOG PATROL
Our Canine Companions and the Kids Who Protect Them
by Rob Laidlaw


In a full-colour dog book unlike any other, acclaimed children's nonfiction author Rob Laidlaw delves into the history and evolution of dogs as human companions, and empowers young readers to promote the health and happiness of dogs in their own lives and beyond.

"The Dog Patrol functions as both a how-to manual on taking care of a dog and a celebration of kids who have made significant efforts to protect and help dogs. Information is also included about the history of dogs and humans. The book is filled with attractive colour photographs with clear captions...

This is an excellent resource for anyone thinking about getting a dog, as well as for those who already have dogs.” Youth Services Book Review

Hardcover, 52 pages
Publisher: Pajama Press, 14th April 2020
For Ages: 8 - 9 years old


RRP: $36.25 at www.booktopia.com.au

SKADOODLE & SNUG'S MAGNIFICENT PLAN
by Caroline Tuohey, illustrated by Karen Sagovac

Skadoodle and Snug both resided in town,
one with Miss Willis, the other, Joe Brown.
And each little dog loved their owner to bits
but knew that the pairings were really the pits.

If only they could swap owners… 

Share in the antics of what happens when a Poodle and a Pug take matters into their own hands (or paws).

Hardcover, 32 pages
Publisher: Larrikin House, 1st May 2020
For Ages: 3+ years old


Price: $21.25 from www.booktopia.com.au

A BOY, A BALL AND A DOG
by Gianna Marino


There was never a ball the boy wouldn't throw.
Luckily, there was never a ball that his dog couldn't catch.

When a new kind of ball (a balloon) floats into the picture, both boy and dog try to find a way to play with it, and they become separated. 

Will they find their way back to each other and finish their game?

Hardcover, 40 pages
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press, 12th July 2016
For Ages: 4+ years old

RRP: $29.99 at www.booktopia.com.au

Dr Claire Stevens - Love your Dog Book

Being a responsible and educated dog owner is no easy task, and with a huge increase in families adding a furry member to their clan recently, there is no better time to be informed about how best to care for them.

Owners often feel overwhelmed trying to make the right decisions for their cuddly canine, and that’s no surprise when they are faced with difficult choices regarding pet insurance, vaccinations, diet, surgery, medical procedures and so much more.

Dr Claire's Love your Dog (The complete guide to caring for your canine friend) is out on May 1 and would make a great Mother's Day gift for a dedicated (or new) dog mum!


This book helps owners make sense of all that and supports them in truly being their dog’s best friend. 
The expert and user-friendly advice from a practising Australian vet includes: 

✔️a complete canine care guide following the life stages of a dog
✔️practical advice on all aspects of caring for your furry friend
✔️ canine behaviour and training
✔️ coverage of the common canine diseases.

About Dr Claire Stevens

Dr Claire, animal lover, mum and veterinarian, has always been fascinated with the connection and love shared between pets and their owners. 

“Our pets are our companions, sometimes they are the most reliable and reassuring friends that we have. Throughout my career I’ve been captivated by the beautiful connection humans have with their dogs and cats, and the positive impact these relationships have on our general well-being.”

Based on the Gold Coast, she studied Veterinary Science at the University of Queensland and also gained a Certificate of Veterinary Public Health from the University of Sydney

Working on the frontline in veterinary practice and as a trainer for vets in improving their consultation skills, Dr Claire is passionate about community, connection and ensuring a healthy, long and happy life for our pets. 

She believes that connecting on an emotional level with pet owners in the consult room is essential in providing first class veterinary care – a belief that led to her write her first book, Love your Dog. She regularly appears as a specialist commentator on radio and television and has a strong following on social media.

Visit her website at drclairestevens.com or follow her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DrClaireStevens/ and Instagram www.instagram.com/the.animal.doctor/

Price & Where to Buy:

RRP: $39.99 available in all good bookstores or online at www.booktopia.com.au

MEDIA RELEASE, 30th April 2020

Paws for Change - 2020 Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Adelaide based charity, Paws For Change launches Mother's Day Gift Collection

Australian registered charity, Paws For Change, donates 100% of their profits to global dog rescue projects, helping provide our most loved furry friends with the best resources needed. 

This Mother's Day, Paws for Change will be selling 'dog mum' focused items on their website where 100% of profits go directly to dog rescue projects. They are also giving free delivery on all orders.

Some of their fun 'fur mum' focused items include their quote T-shirts and quote candles, slogan tote bags, earrings and slogan clutch bags, 
Pawsecco and more.


✔️ The Pawsecco is a limited edition bottling of ArtWine Estate grown Prosecco, which usually sells for $25 a bottle.
✔️ All T-shirts are a one-size loose fit made from bamboo cotton and are available in either black or white.
✔️ All candles are 50 hours, hand-poured soy candles with a range of fun names and beautiful fragrances.

✔️ All earrings are nickel free.
✔️ The tote and clutch bags are a quality, waterproof canvas with full waterproof lining.


About Paws for Change

Paws For Change was created after founder, Annie Leo witnessed the horrors of the overseas dog meat trade which quickly formed her passion for raising money for rescue groups and shelters around the world, helping sick/injured, mistreated, abandoned and homeless dogs. 

Their most recent campaign brought together some of South Australia’s most loved talents and their cuddly furry friends in a 14-month PAWdorable 'Show Us Your Puppies’ Calendar featuring names such as Jane Reily, local chef Simon Bryant, Australian entertainer Rhonda Burchmore (featured with dog Bon Bon) and Andrew ‘Cosi’ Costello. 

Annie explains that it was a no brainer for Paws For Change to donate 100% of the profits to these groups and shelters. 


“I was personally donating money to various charities but was never 100% sure if the money was going to where it was needed or if it was even being donated in the first place.”


“As my charity grew, so did my passion towards giving a voice to the pooches who don’t necessarily have one so I decided to quit my full time 9-5 job and focus on what could be done next to help these dogs.”

Paws For Change offer a variety of ways for someone to donate including purchasing adorable pooch-themed products available on their website to a simple dollar donation to current projects such as the ‘Bali Rescue Dog Squad’ and ‘The Haven in Shanghai’.

Keep ‘pup’ to date with current Paws For Change projects by visiting their website at www.pawsforchange.org.au 

Follow them on Instagram @pawsforchangeau 
and Facebook at www.facebook.com/pawsforchangeau/

MEDIA RELEASE, 29th April 2020

Celebrating International Guide Dog Day 2020 - April 29


International Guide Dog Day 2020 on Wednesday 29 April celebrates the incredibly important role Guide Dogs play in the community and acknowledges the amazing difference they make to the lives of people who are blind or vision impaired.

But this year is no ordinary year for celebrations so Guide Dogs Australia are inviting us to join our first (and cutest) Zoom puppy meeting! 

So why not tune in during your lunch break to meet the Guide Dogs and learn more about the special role they play in the lives of people living with blindness or low vision. Did we mention their latest recruit, a three-week-old Guide Dog puppy named Zoom will be in the meeting too?


You can join the meeting taking place from 12:00pm to 12:30pm here. With 1.6K people having already registered their interest, this will be one busy virtual meeting!

A little bit of history

References to service animals in literature date at least as far back as the mid-16th century. In a 19th-century novel by Elizabeth Barrett Browning, the title character remarks, "The blind man walks wherever the dog pulls ... And so I answered."


Dogs were first used to guide people who were blind in 1819 when Johann Whilhelm Klein founded an institute for the blind in Vienna, Austria. His ideas were later put into practice in 1916, when Dr Gerhard Stalling established a school to train dogs to assist German soldiers who had been blinded in the First World War. 

But interest in service animals outside of Germany did not become widespread until Dorothy Eustis, an American dog breeder living in Switzerland, wrote a first-hand account about a service animal training school in Potsdam, Germany, that was published in The Saturday Evening Post in 1927. 

By the late 1920s, a school had been established in the USA and by 1931, in Italy and England. The first service animals in Great Britain were German Shepherds. Four of these first were Flash, Judy, Meta, and Folly, who were handed over to their new owners - veterans blinded in World War I - on 6 October 1931. 


Helen Adams Keller (1880 – 1968) was an American author, political activist, and lecturer. She was the first deafblind person to earn a bachelor of arts degree. 
Starting in May 1888, Keller attended the Perkins Institute for the Blind

Determined to communicate with others as conventionally as possible, Keller learned to speak, and spent much of her life giving speeches and lectures. She learned to "hear" people's speech by reading their lips with her hands—her sense of touch had become extremely subtle. 


She became proficient at using braille and reading sign language with her hands as well. Keller devoted much of her later life to raising funds for the American Foundation for the Blind.

Guide Dogs in Australia


Arnold Cook was responsible for bringing the first Guide Dog to AustraliaA young West Australian, Arnold lost his sight through a rare disease at the age of 18. 

After graduating, Arnold Cook went to England to further his studies at the London School of Economics. Whilst there, Arnold heard about the Guide Dog Association in Britain and applied for a dog. He was accepted and trained with Dreana, a black Labrador bitch.

In 1950 Dr Arnold Cook, returned home with his Guide Dog, the first in Australia. Dreana created enormous interest and soon other blind West Australians were anxious to have a dog for themselves. 


A year later the first Guide Dog Association in Australia was formed in Perth. With the support of Apex Clubs, the Guide Dog Association brought the first trainer to Australia from England. 

The first Guide Dog to be trained in Australia was a Kelpie/Border Collie cross, Beau. 
Beau and his blind owner Mrs Elsie Mead travelled all over Australia promoting Guide Dog mobility.

By 1957, there were Guide Dog Associations in each State. The newly formed State Associations decided to expand their movement on a national basis and to establish a training centre in a more accessible central state.



The Move to Victoria

In 1962, the Association's headquarters moved to Kew. The first specially designed Guide Dog Centre in the world was built on land granted to the National Association by the Victorian Government. 


In 1965 a controlled breeding program was introduced following a donation from the Guide Dogs for the Blind Inc. of California who donated two Golden Retriever puppies. These pups along with a pedigree stud Labrador which was a gift from the UK, formed the nucleus of the breeding program in Australia at the Guide Dog Centre in Kew.

In 1967 the Puppy Raising program was launched, enabling young pups to be socialised for their first 12 months by volunteers in a family environment.



Breeds

Early on, trainers began to recognise which breeds produced dogs most appropriate for guide work; today, Golden RetrieversLabradors, and German Shepherds are most likely to be chosen by service animals facilities, although other breeds, such as Standard PoodlesBorder ColliesAustralian Shepherds
Staffordshire TerriersVizslasDobermansRottweilers, Boxers etc. may also be selected. 

Service animal breeds are chosen in relation to height at the shoulder measured against harness length and an individual's height.


Crosses such as Golden Retriever x Labrador (popular due to their known intelligence, work ethic, and early maturation) and Labradoodles (Labrador x Poodle bred to provide dogs with less shedding for those with allergies to hair) are also common.

Today, the most popular breed used globally is the Labrador Retriever



The Benefits of Owning a Service Animal

Studies show that owning a pet or therapy animal offers positive effects psychologically, socially, and physiologically. Service animals especially come with a variety of benefits and help in many ways: they give a blind person more confidence, friendship, and security. Blind people who use service animals have increased confidence in going about day-to-day life and are comforted by this constant friend. 

Companionship offered by a pet helps reduce anxiety, depression, and loneliness. Because animals offer support, security, and companionship, stress is reduced, which in turn improves cardiovascular health. “A number of studies identify pet ownership as a factor in improved recovery from illness and in improved health in general”.

Today, Guide Dogs Australia support people living with blindness or vision loss to live independently and achieve their goals in life. 

There are an estimated 300,000 Australians with uncorrectable vision loss, 100,000 of whom live in the ACT and NSW. Sadly, these figures are predicted to increase by more than 50% by 2030.

It takes more than $35,000 to breed, raise and train a puppy to become a Guide Dog and you can assist by visiting their online shop or making a small donation.

For more details and to donate, please visit www.guidedogsaustralia.com




Win a SlingGuard Car Seat Protector for Dogs


To celebrate the release of our 2020 Mother's Day Gift Guide, we teamed up with SLINGGUARD to give you the chance to win your very own SlingGuard Car Seat Protector (RRP: $199.99).

The team behind SLINGGUARD have poured their hearts and souls into designing it. 

After 8 years of research and hard work including many prototypes, the versatile SLINGGUARD is now available to all pet parents! You can use it as back seat cover, pet hammock, single car seat basket and cargo/boot protector.

Living at the beach and owning two Border Collies, they needed a seat protector to protect their car leather seats against sand and water damage, mud and hard wear and tear. 

SLINGGUARD was designed to transport dogs in the lap of luxury – using luxurious dense quality faux fur on one side (which repels hair), and padded heavy quality 100% waterproof non-slip nylon on the other. Whilst keeping car seats clean and dry is important, the designer believes the comfort and safety of their dogs is even more so. 
SLINGGUARD is fully reversible, so if your dog is wet and muddy/sandy, simply turn over to the heavy-duty nylon/canvas side which is 100% waterproof and padded for their comfort. 

The sides of SLINGGUARD are fastened with heavy duty zips which allow the sides to be unfastened and hang down when the dogs are jumping into the car – this means that there are no muddy paw prints on the side of the seat


SLINGGUARD can also be used as a Cargo Boot Liner

When they are snug within SLINGGUARD, you have the option to simply zip up the sides which helps prevent the car doors from becoming messy also.

When your dogs are clean and dry, swap to the reverse side to travel on. They settle down extremely fast, as they feel completely safe and snug and have no fear of falling into the footwell (when used in the hammock style configuration).


Our dogs are key members of t
he family and they love to travel with us so this is a unique chance to make your next car trips so comfortable, your dog will never want to get out!



*** WIN 1 SLINGGUARD Car Seat Protector ***
 valued at $199.99* (* prize includes  free shipping) 

To EnterLike/Share our post on Facebook or Instagram (27/04/2020) and tell us in the comments "what will be your first outing with your dog using the #SlingGuard Car Seat Protector once we can travel again?

Don't want to leave it to chance? Until Mother's Day, you can use the exclusive code MOTHER to receive a $30 discount!

Learn more by visiting the SLINGGUARD website at www.slingguard.com.au/

You can also follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Slingguard/


TERMS & CONDITIONS

1. This Competition opened on Monday 27th April 2020 (4pm A.E.S.T.) and closed on Thursday 7th May 2020 (midnight A.E.S.T.). Open to Australian residents only. Congratulations to our winner: Patrick Kenny (via Facebook).
2. To enter, like and share and simply comment by telling us "what will be your first outing with your dog using the #SlingGuard Car Seat Protector once we can travel again?"
3. This Promotion is a game of skill and chance plays no part in determining the winner.
The entries will be judged by the Australian Dog Lover team. The winning entries will be selected based on the most creative, informative or useful statement.
4. Please note you MUST LIKE our Facebook page or FOLLOW @australiandoglover on Instagram to be eligible for any prize in our competitions.
5. Entrants in the competition can only ENTER ONCE.
6. Prizes not claimed within 48 hours will be redrawn.
* Entry into the competition is deemed acceptance of all terms and conditions.

Abolishing Boring Dog Walks during Covid-19

Some Tips to Spice Up your Dog Walking

Dogs around the country are pounding the pavement more than ever. With this heightened exercise regime, Pet Insurance Australia looks at some ways to abolish the boring on-lead walk.

“Social media is currently flooded with amusing videos showing dogs simply refusing to budge, mid-walk,” Nadia Crighton from Pet Insurance Australia says. “It’s certainly not uncommon to hear of pet owners struggling with some of their dogs during their daily walk.”

It’s important to remember that the humble on-lead encounter can be an exhilarating experience for any dog, regardless of the pace.

“For a dog, a good walk can be like reading an interesting book,” Crighton says. “All those smells, sights and sounds can stimulate your pet and flex their brawn and their brains.”
However, if you are walking the exact same route every single day, your curious canine companion can experience boredom when out and about. Leading to dogs sprawling out on the pavement and simply refusing to budge.

“It’s time to change it up a little and start thinking like a dog,” Crighton says. “Some basic changes can really help put the spice back into your pet's daily exercise regime.”

#1. Change up your route

Make a plan, map it out and change your walking route a few times per week. This could be as easy as taking another path home or reversing the walk or even just walking on the other side of the road. 

Adding a simple element of surprise and change can help your pet enjoy their walking experience.

#2. Stop to Smell the Roses

Consider if you are taking a walk for you, or your pet? Allowing your dog to stop and sniff will allow them to explore all the wonderful smells your chosen route has to offer. 

Before heading off on your daily walk consider if you are doing this for fitness or to enhance your pet's experience of the outside world.

#3. High Energy Dogs

For your high-energy dogs, think about pushing their training capabilities while on-lead or introduce a doggy-backpack. 

This will not only challenge their minds but also add some extra weight to keep their blood pumping.
#4. Don’t Over Do It

Two good walks per day is ample for all dogs. Consider one walk for your pet to go at their own pace and smell and stop when needed, and one high-intensity walk or jog.

#5. Training

With your pet being on-lead it’s a great opportunity to train. Training is not only beneficial to keep your pet safe, but it’s also a wonderful way to improve the human/canine bond by developing your own language. 

Sitting at crossings or traffic lights, walking nicely on lead, with no pulling, are some basics. For more advance consider ‘eyes on me’ when walking past other dogs or ‘close or heel’ when asking your dog to stay closer to your side when crossing major roads. Remember to treat your dog with lots of praise.

“If you are experiencing issues with on-lead walking seek out some professional advice and positive reinforcement training tips,” Crighton recommends. “Walking your dog should be as enjoyable for them as it is for you.”

This is the perfect time for pet owners to really tune into their dog’s abilities on-lead and iron out any of those issues like lead-pulling.

“Make your dog’s exercise regime fun and entertaining,” Crighton suggests. 

“Also go slowly, if your pet is not used to so much exercise, build-it up gradually. Importantly, ensure you can keep this regime when you do return to a normal working day to prevent boredom issues that can lead to behavioural symptoms.”