Dog Lovers Book Club - March 2021

When your last weekend of summer fails to deliver sunny weather, there are always dog books to turn to... In case your favourite newsfeeds should disappear again, our March 2021 Dog Lovers Book Club has lots of suggestions to restock your bookshelves...

Fascinated by dog training and canine behaviour and looking for enrichment ideas? Dreaming of epic adventures with your dog? Or thinking of becoming a vet or maybe starting your own pet sitting business, we've got your covered!

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DOG
by Jen & Ryan Tate

Australia has one of the highest pet ownership rates in the world, and during lockdown, many people had the same idea: to adopt or welcome a dog into their lives. Now, there are many new dog owners who need advice and guidance on raising and training their new furry friend.

How to Train Your Dog by Jen and Ryan Tate is your solution. With almost 30 years of experience between them and their own dog-training business, Jen and Ryan are Australia’s most expert animal trainers who help dog owners develop happy and confident pets at any age.

Dog training is a well-studied science, and in their informative book they impart all their practical advice so you can feel prepared, stay in control and enjoy a great relationship with your new dog. It includes:

✔️ Choosing the right breed for you and your lifestyle
✔️ Preparing your home and the first 48 hours with your pup
✔️ House training and basic training
✔️ Socialisation and confidence building
✔️ Play, exercise, tricks and rewards
✔️ Resolving common behavioural issues related to separation anxiety such as barking, digging and chewing
✔️ Tips on how to raise an independent dog to suit your needs
✔️ Ongoing learning and fun for adult dogs

Accessible, well-organised and filled with evidence-based training techniques, this is the perfect handbook for creating a stress-free and enjoyable bond with your puppy or dog and ensuring they live their best life with you.

Trade Paperback, 288 pages
Publisher: Penguin Books Australia, Imprint: Ebury Australia, 16th March 2021

RRP: $32.99. Available from all good book stores and online resellers. Visit www.penguin.com.au

CANINE ENRICHMENT 

The Book Your Dog Needs You To Read
by Shay Kelly

If your dog could choose a book for you to read it would surely be this one. Behaviourist, Shay Kelly shows you how to become your dog’s best friend by providing simple, fun activities to spark their mind and enrich their life. A lack of mental stimulation is a leading contributory factor in dog behavioural problems. 

Ensuring that our dog's needs are met is the first step in avoiding and rectifying problematic behaviour. 

Shay's Buddhist values and behaviour knowledge combine to deliver practical, kind, and scientific advice.
This is a book about giving your dog an interesting and enjoyable life. Isn’t that the very least they deserve?

Paperback, 97 pages
Independently published, 21st August 2019

RRP: $25.00 from woofpackonline.com.au

SHE’S NO LADY – SHE’S THE VET!
by Helen M. Jones, Robin Giesecke & Paula H. Jones

A must for all aspiring vets, historians and anyone interested in the achievements of women in Australia.

"Over 110 years ago, there were no practising female veterinarians. Veterinary practice was a man's field. Now women have come to dominate the veterinary profession in Australia. Women have contributed to all facets of professional activity and pioneered roles in veterinary practice, government service, biosecurity, teaching, consultancies and business and have been elected to high office and received awards for their efforts within the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) and the community. 

The considerable achievements of the women in this book are inspirational and any girl or woman contemplating becoming a veterinarian should find these stories of Australian female veterinarians from 1906 interesting and entertaining and they may even confirm their choice of career." - Helen Jones, August 2019

Veterinary science started as an all-male profession but today it is dominated by women. There are many notable Australian female veterinarians who have made exceptional contributions to the profession, both in Australia and globally. Each has a unique story, from the first graduate in 1906, through to the present day.

The stories in this book show how some of these remarkable women overcame not only the often adverse conditions of their chosen profession but also the discrimination put in their way; surprisingly, not from male colleagues but from government agencies and farmers.

In 2006, the University of Melbourne awarded the Belle Bruce Reid medal to 100 prominent Australian female veterinarians and many of the stories in this book have come from the women on that list. The vets featured were mostly born in Australia but some came from other parts of the world. She's No Lady - She's the Vet!  recounts a history of their many and valuable contributions to veterinary science set against the unique backdrop of Australia's cities, rural outposts and wilderness.

Publisher: Fair Jo Publishing, 2019

RRP: $55.00 (plus postage). To order your copy, contact Paula Jones 

HUDSON BAY BOUND
Two Women, One Dog, Two Thousand Miles to the Arctic
by Natalie Warren

The remarkable eighty-five-day journey of the first two women to canoe the 2,000-mile route from Minneapolis to Hudson Bay.

Unrelenting winds, carnivorous polar bears, snake nests, sweltering heat, and constant hunger. Paddling from Minneapolis to Hudson Bay, following the 2,000-mile route made famous by Eric Sevareid in his 1935 classic Canoeing with the Cree, Natalie Warren and Ann Raiho faced unexpected trials, some harrowing, some simply odd. 

But for the two friends - the first women to make this expedition - there was one timeless challenge: the occasional pitfalls that test character and friendship. Warren's spellbinding account retraces the women's journey from inspiration to Arctic waters, giving readers an insider view from the practicalities of planning a three-month canoe expedition to the successful accomplishment of the adventure of a lifetime.

Along the route we meet the people who live and work on the waterways, including denizens of a resort who supply much-needed sustenance; a solitary resident in the wilderness who helps plug a leak; and the people of the Cree First Nation at Norway House, where the canoeists acquire a furry companion. 

Hardcover, 224 pages
Publisher: University of Minnesota Press, 2nd February 2021

RRP: $39.25 at www.booktopia.com.au

SLEEPING AROUND
Business Secrets of an Overnight Pet Sitter
by Kristen Holzapfel

The pet sitting industry is currently unregulated, which means there is no minimum standard set for pet sitters or customers. Customers are left to conduct their own research of local pet sitters, with little to no guidance about what skills/experience/training to look for.

Pet sitters are also in the dark, unaware of how to keep themselves safe while also meeting the needs of both pets and pet owners. The end result is neither pet sitter nor customer feel supported or heard throughout the process and the needs of both go unmet. So what is the solution?

This eBook provides a 360-degree view of the pet sitting process, providing visibility to both pet sitters and customers, with the aim of improving outcomes for pets as well as pet sitters and customers.

This eBook reflects the author’s decade-long experience as both pet sitter and business owner, providing a ‘business in a box’ solution for everybody involved in the pet sitting industry. This is the author's second book.

This 60-page book de-mystifies the whole process, includes loads of practical examples and 16 checklists and templates, making the information easy to follow and apply in practice.

eBook only, 60 pages (released February 2021)

RRP: $30.00 at sleepingaroundpetsitting.com.au

BOOK CLUB - KIDS' CORNER

FRANKIE GOES TO KINDERGARTEN
by Peta Baxter & Connie Hemmens, illustrated by Marjory Gardner

Frankie is a superstar. He loves to join in the fun at Miss Peta and Miss Connie’s kindergarten: playing, reading, learning, singing and dancing.

Find out all about Frankie’s day at kindy — and watch out for cheeky George!

Learn more about Frank the Frug and how he became every kid's friend at his local C&K kindy.

Hardcover or Paperback, 32 pages
Publisher: Ford Street Publishing, 1st March 2021
For Ages: young readers (from 3+ years old)

RRP: $16.95-$24.95 from fordstreetpublishing.com

WE LOVE YOU, MAGOO
by Briony Stewart

Magoo has his own ideas about what a dog should do – in the kitchen, in the car, at dinnertime and bedtime! But there are so many rules! So many things a dog can't do.

But wait! Magoo, THIS is for you...
Silly dogoo, we do love you!

A perfect read-aloud picture book that captures Magoo's energy and emotion in every line.

A classic in the making – joyous and playful, this will be read again and again. Pitched perfectly at the pre-schooler, just learning the rules who loves being the boss.
Gorgeous illustrations and a rhyming text that's a delight to read out loud.

Hardback, 32 pages
Publisher: Penguin Books, Imprint: Puffin, 1 September 2020

RRP: $19.99 from good book retailers and online at www.penguin.com.au

DAPHNE THE BLIND DOG GOES TO SCHOOL
by Dawn M Gibbons, illustrated by Chad Thompson

Daphne is a blind dog who is bored because she doesn't know how to play with toys. She goes to a dog training school to learn to play and have fun. When she starts nose work classes, she is nervous and scared.

Daphne doesn't understand the game of finding treats hidden in boxes, so she practises at home. At school, the teacher makes accommodations to support Daphne. Gradually, Daphne finds the courage to participate and begins to enjoy the class.

Although she progresses at a different rate than the other dogs at school, Daphne succeeds at nose work. She has fun playing new games at home. With more confidence, she even learns to do some tricks. Daphne isn't bored anymore....

Paperback, 32 pages
Publisher: FriesenPress, 18th June 2020

Price: $15.95 at www.booktopia.com.au

BIGGER THAN YESTERDAY, SMALLER THAN TOMORROW
by Robert Vescio, illustrated by Kathy Creamer

An enchanting tale about a child who craves independence but also longs for the security of Mum.

Hannah and Dad and their dog, Hugo are going camping together for the first time! Mum has to stay home and look after baby Connor. 

Hannah isn't afraid because she is bigger than yesterday. But when night approaches... is Hannah bigger than she really thinks? An entertaining tale about a child who craves independence but longs for security.

Hardcover, 32 pages

Publisher: Harper Collins Australia, Imprint: Little Pink Dog Books, 24th September 2018

RRP: $24.95 from good bookshops and online. Visit www.harpercollins.com.au

FLEA SEEKS DOG
by Will Mabbitt, illustrated by Nathan Reed

Flea's got itchy feet! It's time to find a new dog to call home. But, try as he might, none of the dogs he meets are quite right. From the too loud and too cheeky to the too-frequently-leaky, Flea soon realises that finding the perfect companion can be tricky.

Will Flea ever find the perfect match?

A hilarious rhyming romp from the creator of I Can Only Draw Worms, brilliantly illustrated by Nathan Reed.

Hardcover, 32 pages
Publisher: Hachette Australia, Imprint: Hodder Children’s Books, January 2021
For Ages: 1+ years old

RRP: $24.95 from all good book resellers and online retailers. 

For details, visit www.hachette.com.au

To ensure your dogs are also "not quite right" for fleas, read this vet's advice on how to Protect Dogs from Fleas and Ticks!

March is Pet Poison Prevention Awareness Month

Pet Poison Prevention Awareness Month during March is fast approaching. It should serve as as a reminder to all pet owners to watch out for both natural and processed pet toxins.

Consider putting locks on cupboards as dogs – especially at the puppy stage - don’t hesitate to use their teeth to explore. Their curiosity may lead them to lick, chew or swallow potentially toxic items. 

If you suspect your pet has eaten a poisonous substance you need to act fast, however most toxins won’t activate immediately. The best course of action is to call your vet immediately and follow their instructions. NEVER induce vomiting unless directed to do so by a veterinary professional! 

If it is a weekend or after hours, always have the number for a veterinary emergency clinic in your area. 

Most Common Ways Dogs Are Poisoned

#1. Human Medications

It’s important to keep all prescription and over-the-counter drugs out of reach, preferably in closed cabinets. 

Think of your pets as toddlers - a childproof cap on a container may work for your kids but it won’t stop a determined puppy from chomping through the bottle! Remind guests staying with you to store their medications safely away too. 

Pain killers, cold medicines, anti-cancer drugs, antidepressants, vitamins, and diet pills are common examples of human medication that could be potentially lethal even in small dosages.

During the holidays, veterinary clinics may have limited office hours. In some cases, pet owners try to medicate their animals without their veterinarian's advice. Never give your animal any medications unless under the directions of a veterinarian. Many medications that are used safely in humans can be deadly when used inappropriately. 

Just one regular strength Ibuprofen tablet can cause stomach ulcers in a 5kg dog!

#2:  Baits & Poisons

Vets receive many calls resulting from our pets ingesting herbicides, insecticides and pesticides. 

Poisons that are designed to kill insects, rats and foliage can be poisonous to our pets too. These include:

• Ant and roach baits
• Weed killers
• Rat & mice baits
• Snail baits

❌ Snail bait poisoning, is a relatively common poisoning seen in pets and occurs when pets ingest snail or slug bait that contains the drug metaldehyde.
Snail and slug baits come in a variety of forms and may be mixed with other toxins. Ingestion can be fatal (even when just a small amount is ingested). Snail bait is often in a pellet form, which many dogs find attractive due to its close resemblance to dry dog food.

Secondly, snail bait is often formulated with other food products, such as soybeans, rice, oats, or molasses. These additives are designed to attract snails but unfortunately lure many unsuspecting dogs as well. It should be noted that snail bait can also be purchased in a liquid or granule form. Whilst these are more difficult to directly consume, pets can get them on their paws and lick them off during grooming.

Once ingested the symptoms of metaldehyde toxicity develop rapidly, sometimes within an hour of ingestion. 

Initially, your pet may simply show some mild twitching and an unsteady gait. They may appear anxious, lack co-ordination and have increased heart and breathing rates. 

Some animals may also salivate and/or vomit. Some owners may make the mistake of ignoring these early, relatively mild symptoms, hoping that they are only transient, rather than seeking veterinary attention.

If left untreated however, affected animals will begin to exhibit severe, generalised tremors, followed by seizures. These tremors and convulsions significantly raise the body temperature which can lead to permanent brain damage and ultimately death. If you suspect your pet has ingested snail bait you must seek veterinary treatment immediately to increase your pets chance of survival.

Without advocating the use of any particular brand, there are now safer baits available in Australia.

❌ Mothballs - Naphthalene is the most common active ingredient found in mothballs. Most common signs seen with mothball ingestion include vomiting, anaemia, lethargy and seizures. Hepatitis is a rare effect and if seen would occur 3-5 days post exposure. Treatment of mothball ingestion includes early decontamination. 

Again, all these poisons should be kept out of reach of pets in lockable, high cupboards or not used at all in households with pets.

❌ Flea and tick products can be a source of toxicity to our pets. This usually occurs because the wrong product was used on their pet. Most dog products are toxic to cats. Do not attempt to treat your small dog with just a drop of the large dogs’ flea and tick product. Prevent your pets from licking the area where the product was applied and from licking one another.

#3. Human Foods

Avoid the following items which could cause problems for your pet: 

❌ 

Chocolate (baker's, semi-sweet, milk chocolate) - Chocolate contains two forms of methylxanthines: Theobromine and Caffeine, and their amounts vary with the type of chocolate. Unsweetened baking chocolate is more toxic than dark chocolate which is also more toxic than milk chocolate. White chocolate is the least toxic variety.

❌ Coffee (grounds, beans, chocolate covered espresso beans)

❌

 

Onions, onion powder

❌ Fatty foods (which may cause pancreatitis)

❌ Salt

❌ Sultanas, raisins, currants (in Christmas cakes, puddings, scones etc.)

❌ Xylitol (sugar-free gum, some peanut butter brands etc.)

 

❌ Yeast dough

❌

 

String wrappings around rolled roasts

❌ Absorbent pad found under meat when wrapped on trays

❌ Mouldy or spoiled foods and fats in the compost pile can also cause gastrointestinal problems, including vomiting and diarrhoea

For a more comprehensive list, read "15 People Foods your Dog should never eat" 

#4. Toxic Plants

If your dog spends time outside without supervision be aware that many common flowers and plants can be deadly for them. 

If your dog has ingested or chomped something you can’t immediately identify, bring a sample or use the camera on your phone to take a photo and show it to your vet. 

We often say that dogs will eat anything and that cats are finicky. However when it comes to houseplants and flowers - e.g. lilies are poisonous to cats - our feline friends can actually be the worst offenders and it is advised to keep all plants out of your cat’s reach.

For more detailed information, check out these  “Common Plants Poisonous to your Dogs".

Whilst out and about, remember to keep your dogs away from stagnant water as blue-green algae is also high on the list of most fatal pet poisons.

#5: Fertilisers

Fertiliser products generally contain varying amounts of Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) compounds. Fertilisers may be in a liquid, granular or solid form. They may have additives such as herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, iron, copper and zinc. 

Because fertilisers are usually a combination of ingredients, the effects following ingestion may differ. In general, fertilisers cause mild to moderate gastrointestinal irritation which may involve signs such as vomiting, diarrhoea, hypersalivation, lethargy and abdominal pain. In most cases the effects are self-limiting and resolve within 24-48 hours with supportive veterinary care. 

RSPCA Australia recommends that owners take active steps to ensure that their dogs and other pets do not ingest any type of fertilizer material. Some types of fertiliser such as bone meal and blood meal may be eaten in large quantities by dogs which can cause significant gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea, constipation) and possibly pancreatitis. Certain fertilisers may also contain bacterial or fungal toxins which can have serious side effects if ingested.

Fertilisers can also be caustic, which irritates the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. In some cases ingestion may lead to gastrointestinal ulceration. Impaction (gastrointestinal blockage) with fertiliser material may also occur in some cases.

Symptoms may be more severe however, if a large amount of fertiliser is ingested or if additives such as insecticides and iron are part of the fertiliser mix. Some fertilizers contain a significant amount of iron which can result in iron toxicity. 

Though heavy metals such as iron are generally not readily absorbed into the animal’s system, they can pose a hazard when dogs ingest large amounts. A few fertilisers also contain insecticides such as disulfoton, a highly toxic organophosphate which when ingested can cause a sudden onset of seizures and pancreatitis.

#6. Household Items

• Pieces of cloth such as socks, underwear, ribbons etc.
• Personal hygiene items such as tampons and sanitary pads and condoms 
• Batteries - The most common types of batteries ingested or chewed on by dogs are alkaline dry cell batteries (e.g., 9-volt, D, C, AA, AAA) or button/disc batteries. 
• Small plastic toys (read how an Ooshie nearly cost Coco her life...)
• Cleaning products – these often contain acidic or alkaline ingredients, which can cause caustic or corrosive lesions in the stomach or intestines. 

• Glowsticks / Glow in the dark jewellery - these jewellery pieces are filled with dibutyl phthalate, which causes profuse salivation and possibly vomiting in animals that bite into them. This response is due to a taste reaction rather than a toxicosis. Give a treat, such as milk or tuna juice, to dilute the taste of the chemical and contact your veterinarian.
• Liquid pot-pourri - it may contain dangerous toxins for dogs (cationic ingredients) that can burn the tissues in the mouth, oesophagus and stomach and cause serious skin burns.
• Essential Oils (with some minor exceptions and only when used as directed): they can be toxic if absorbed through the skin or accidentally ingested. Even excessive inhalation via your diffuser can have dire consequences.

• Painting and varnishing products - household paints and varnishes are relatively harmless and usually only cause mild GI upset. However, pet owners become concerned when paint gets on the animal's fur and make the mistake of trying to remove it with paint thinners, such as turpentine or mineral spirits.
• Anti-freeze - It is the toxin ethylene glycol that makes antifreeze lethal. Because of this, dogs will consume great quantities of ethylene glycol before being repulsed by its aftertaste. Antifreeze poisoning affects the brain, liver, and kidneys.  
• Turpentine and methylated spirits - these products are extremely irritating to the skin and footpads and can also affect the breathing and brain. The best method of removing paint thinners is by bathing with a dish washing detergent and cool water. Further treatment may be required. Consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns. 
• Silica gel - this is used as a desiccant in newly purchased clothing, shoes, and purses. It is an inert ingredient and is not toxic. The only time it is of concern is when a small animal swallows a large amount, which can expand with water and possibly cause an obstruction or diarrhoea.
• Certain soaps and shampoos – usually cause mild gastrointestinal signs.

#7: Alcohol and Cigarettes

Animals will drink a variety of alcohols, ranging from methanol found in windshield washing solutions to vodka at a party. Unbaked bread dough is another source of alcohol. 

Tobacco products may also be attractive to pets. These contain varying amounts of nicotine and butts have about 25% of the total nicotine content. Alcohol and cigarettes should be kept out of the reach of pets.

#8. Cane Toads

Cane toads are a common cause of poisoning to dogs and less commonly cats. When toads feel threatened they ooze a milky poison through the glands in the skin. If your pet is to lick, bite or eat a cane toad, this poison can make them quite sick and also have a hallucinogenic effect on them.

Symptoms of cane toad poisoning will vary depending on the amount of poison that was ingested but signs include:

✔️ Excessive salivation, drooling, bright red/slimy gums, vomiting in mild cases and/or

✔️ Muscle spasms, seizures, increased or rapid heart rate and even death in severe cases

If you suspect your pet has ingested any of these items or any other questionable substance, always contact your veterinarian immediately to discuss the symptoms and seek advice.

Our pets are family members and it is our responsibility to understand what hazards are present in and around our home or that of our family and friends when visiting.

References:

1. https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/pet-owners/

2. Most Common Dog Poisons  (Top 5 Poisons of Dogs / Top 20 Most Fatal Dog Poisons)

3. Help! My Dog Ate Rat Poison (Walkerville Vet)

4. Lily Poisoning in Cats: Signs & Treatment (Australian Cat Lover)

5. Blue-Green Algae: a Killer for Dogs & Cats

Related Topics:

Gastroenteritis in dogs: when to see the vet?

Dog deaths from raw meat caused by indoscipine poisoning

PETstock Assist National Pet Adoption Month - March 2021

Sporting legends Sharni Layton, Giaan Rooney and Peter Siddle cheer on rescue pets for inaugural National Pet Adoption Month

Throughout March, PETstock Assist will celebrate its inaugural National Pet Adoption Month initiative to find even more pets homes, educate the public and celebrate the entire rescue community.

For the past six years, PETstock Assist has been changing the lives of rescue pets and humans having rehomed more than 12,000 pets – in just six days! – providing much needed education, changing perceptions and behaviour on pet adoption in Australia.

Owner Lisa with her rescue Greyhound Ray

Australian sporting superstars and animal welfare advocates, Sharni Layton, Peter Siddle and Giaan Rooney have banded together to team up with PETstock Assist to support the month-long initiative and educate Australians on the benefits of pet adoption.

Sharni and Peter are no strangers to rescuing animals, each being proud adoptive pet parents to three cats and five dogs collectively – all who have changed their lives for the better.

“Having the opportunity to give our five rescue dogs, quirks and all, a second chance at a loving home has been such a rewarding experience,” says Peter. “We were fortunate enough to meet our perfect match on five separate occasions. I encourage all would-be pet owners looking for a pet to consider adoption and keep an open mind.” 

Giaan Rooney at Second Chance Animal Rescue for PETstock National Pet Adoption Day 

For Sharni, it’s knowing she always has the unwavering support from her rescue cats.

“The companionship and support that they’ve provided in return, especially throughout 2020 and now during the AFLW season, has made such a positive difference to my life off the field.”

Since teaming up with PETstock Assist in 2020, Giaan Rooney has welcomed a four-legged rescue into her family.

“At the beginning of 2020 we began the search for a new furry family member, and it wasn’t long until I met our beautiful Dachshund x Kelpie cross puppy, Roy,” says Giaan.

“Adopting Roy has been so rewarding. He’s formed a great bond with my children, who already understand the important responsibilities of caring for an animal.”

PETstock Assist continues to encourage all Australian’s to Adopt Different this March – to adopt a new way of thinking when it comes to rescue pets. To reconsider any biases, dismiss unfair stereotypes and make considered, sustainable choices on what pet is truly the best fit for their lifestyle.

PETstock Assist Charity and Events Lead, Jessica Curtis, wants everyone, not just adoptive parents, to think differently about what they can do to help break the cycle of pet homelessness.

Owner Michelle with Skater

“Those who choose to adopt not shop play a critical role in reducing the number of animals in need,” she says. “Not only by providing a loving home and second chance, but also leading by example.”

“Our rescue parents take the time to learn a pet’s unique personality to find their perfect match, they make a long-term commitment, and ultimately, build a relationship that improves a pet’s life and their own.

“After all time high adoption rates in 2020, this year is truly a celebration of these owners and the commitment they’ve made to their animals who we know, are all unique and different, and that’s why we love them.

“But it’s not just pet parents who are changing the lives of rescue animals in Australia. There are countless rescue groups, volunteers and foster carers right across the nation who are all helping break the cycle.”

As always, there will be an event held at selected participating PETstock stores across Australia on Saturday 13th March.

For more details on PETstock Assist’s National Pet Adoption Month visit your local store in March and the new PETstock Adoption Hub at petstockadoptionhub.com.au

With the unprecedented adoptions of 2020, the month-long initiative will also be focusing on education and training tips for animals and owners to build the best possible relationship for the future as Australia transitions to a COVID normal with more time spent apart.

Lead photo: Owner Ed with Beagle Cooper - Credit (all): PETstock

MEDIA RELEASE, 25th February 2021

5 Enriching Activities You Should Do With Your Dog Every Day

It’s no secret dogs need physical exercise to stay healthy and fit. It’s generally the number 1 question people ask themselves before acquiring a dog... ‘Will I have enough time to exercise a dog?’

Whilst physical exercise is an important part of dog ownership, it’s only part of the picture. Dogs are gregarious, intelligent creatures that also crave social interactions and new learning experiences daily.

With that being said, there are five things you should do with your dog every day to achieve a happy and satisfied pooch at the end of the day:

Move, Play, Focus, Sniff, Rest.

Each one of these areas is as important as the other and some overlap, but they all work together in helping prevent behavioural issues and promote a healthy mental state.

#1. MOVE

Shetland Dog Finn  - Photo (supplied) Nathan Edwards

Although each breed requires completely different amounts of physical exercise, every dog needs to move every day. The type of physical exercise you do with your dog should vary each day in length and activity. 

Don’t get stuck in the same pattern of a 30 minute walk every day at 6am or a one-hour game of fetch in the afternoon in an attempt to tire your dog out. Dogs like variety, they are neophilic (they love new things), so get creative with how you exercise your dog!

Here are some ways you can vary your dog’s exercise regime:

Credit - Amy Smith @brian.calvin.smith

✔️ Go for slow-paced leisurely walks, with the emphasis of letting your dog explore the surroundings.

✔️ Get in your car and go to different locations to start your walk somewhere new.

✔️ Vary the start time, duration, location and distance of your walks.

✔️ Teach your dog to swim!

✔️ Vary your pace, slow, normal and fast and add in a training session when you reach the corner of each block.

✔️ Take your dog on a long line to an open space and practise some recalls.

#2. PLAY - Why is Play so important?

To put it simply – your dog NEEDS you to play with them. Play is one of the most common and important bonding and learning exercises for all social mammals, and dogs are highly social creatures. 

Through playing, puppies learn and rehearse virtually every skill that is important to have later on in life. 

Some behaviours learned during play are obvious and funny, like watching puppies stalk, pounce and attack each other.

Others are a bit embarrassing, such as humping! One thing is for certain, it’s all normal and it’s crucial.

Once your puppy leaves its litter or when a new dog joins your family, the best thing you can do early on is work out HOW they like to play. 

Knowing this about them will establish and strengthen your bond together, which means when you eventually head out into more distracting environments, you are your dog’s favourite play mate. Playing properly with your dog will also teach them how to think when excited. 

You’re not only bonding but you’re making your dog healthier and building skills that make them easier to train. Even if your dog is an adult dog who you’ve never played with, this is a must.

So what are some examples of play you can do with your dog:

✅ Fetch with rules, e.g. sit, stay and then retrieve.

✅ Hide and Seek games.

✅ Tug-O-War again with rules, e.g. wait, bite & let go.

✅ Chasing flirt poles.

#3. FOCUS

The two obvious ways to help your dog focus would be through: Training and Behavioural Enrichment. 

Consider activities suited to your breed as well. Think of activities that get the blood pumping and the brain thinking at the same time. For some breeds, this is as important as providing them with food to eat and clean water to drink. 

A working dog’s desire to problem solve is as strong as their desire to run for miles. Agility, Obedience, Trick Training trials – the possibilities are endless and your Border Collie, Kelpie or Cattle Dog will thrive given access to these outlets.

Ryan Tate training with his
Belgian Malinois Rafa

Training new behaviours and continuing to teach your dog new things throughout their life, not just while they are a puppy, naturally offers opportunities for your dog to focus and problem solve. 

Start by learning the basics; teach your dog a reward marker and a release cue. Then work on perfectly current behaviours like sit, drop, stay working on duration and distraction and then move on to shake, touch, roll over, spin and so on!

Behavioural enrichment is all about offering dogs opportunities in their daily life to explore, problem solve and experience novel stimuli as a way of improving their overall psychological and physiological wellbeing. 

It’s like doing a crossword or sudoku puzzle each day to keep your brain sharp (or our son who currently has us trying to solve Rubik’s Cubes every spare minute!).

Most dogs struggle to entertain themselves with a toy unless there is a human at the other end of that toy making it move and come to life. We therefore tend to focus more on food-based enrichment, especially when attempting to keep dogs entertained while separated from the family. Keep in mind that dogs are omnivores, which means they can eat a variety of fruits and vegetables along with meat.

✅ Frozen ice blocks with broth, veggies or kibble.

✅ Mince smeared inside commercial enrichment products. 

✅ Clam shell sand / digging pit with buried treasure in the backyard.

✅ Pig’s ear  / cow hoof / deer antler dog treats.

✅ Brisket bones or chicken necks inside old cereal boxes or similar.

✅ Frozen carrot or apple piece.

✅ Half a cup of kibble inside a plastic bottle (ensure the lid, o-ring and any stickers are removed prior).

All of these activities are designed to make the dog feel happy and will in turn make them a calmer dog.

Side note: Don’t underestimate the power of offering your dog lots of things they are allowed to explore, in order to prevent them from exploring the ones they’re not, such as your lawn, door mat, couch or Achille's tendon!

#4. SNIFF

Dogs were born to use their nose! Their sense of smell is at least 3,000 times better than ours. They have millions more olfactory receptors than we do and a much bigger part of their brain is dedicated to just smell. So all dogs should experience some form of scent game every day. 

This might be as simple as scattering their food around the back yard like a scavenger hunt rather than putting breakfast in a bowl. 2 minutes of mindlessly scoffing food becomes 25 minutes of active brain use, sniffing out every last morsel hiding in the yard! This is a great option just before you leave for work.

If your dog has a favourite toy, you can also play games of hide and fetch the toy. Start off easy by holding onto your dog and throwing their toy into some long grass, and increase difficulty by asking them to sit and stay while you hide it up high, down low or behind furniture.

If your dog belongs to the scent hound (Beagles, Bassets, Bloodhounds) or gun dog group (Retrievers, Spaniels, Pointers) then you can’t go past properly training your dog in scent based games. 

Photo by Nathalie Spehner on Unsplash

We believe training and games involving scent is directly linked to improved behaviour. This is why we are seeing more nose works and scent training courses popping up around the world. 

The internet is littered with online scent courses for pet owners – including our own at www.tateanimals.com. Once you have trained your dog to find your keys, wallet, kid's toy or equivalent, it becomes a fantastic way to exercise your dog on a cold and rainy day or when you are feeling unwell. 

Hide the keys somewhere in the house or backyard, ask your dog to find them then sit back with a coffee and let the hound burn off the steam!

#5. REST

Rest and relaxation are such important factors in raising a well-rounded adult dog. A young puppy needs anywhere between 18–20 hours of sleep a day! Teaching your dog the skill of ‘switching off’ is equally important as training, socialisation and exercise. And like humans, sleep really does promote sleep. Provide your dog with opportunities to practise ‘mindfulness’.

So how can you promote rest? Here are a few of our favourite ways:

1) Groom and pet your dog with long smooth strokes along the flanks of their body, particularly after exercise.

2) Crate train your dog and teach them to enjoy it and switch off while in there.

3) Teach your dog how to go to their bed/place for a period of time and relax.

It can be very easy to get stuck in the pattern of prioritising quantity of physical exercise, over quality; a variety of activities that serve the purpose of exercising both the mind and body.

You’d be amazed at how much more settled a dog might be after a 15-minute game of ‘find the keys’ around the house over a 40-minute ball chucking session at the park. 

When we visit clients with destructive, anxious or reactive dogs they are usually getting the wrong type of exercise. It’s generally along the lines of an out of control run at the dog park or a walk on lead where the dog is constantly pulling or reacting at other dogs. 

Often the other 4 topics mentioned here aren’t being addressed at all. We set each of our clients up with a daily training and exercise regime that consists of a combination of all the above exercises. 

In 9 out of 10 cases, regardless of the dog’s problems, we see an obvious improvement in the dog’s behaviour, overall happiness and relationship with the owner within 2-3 weeks of the owner’s implementing well thought out movement, play, focus, sniffing and rest, every day.

written by Jen Tate (February 2021) for Australian Dog Lover (all rights reserved)

About our writer

Jen and Ryan Tate are a unique couple whose passion for animals is central to their work and lives. Between them, they have almost 30 years experience and are two of Australia’s most in demand and respected animal behaviourists, including several years at Sydney's famous Taronga Zoo.

Their business, TATE Animal Training Enterprises, specialises in many areas of training, from puppy pre-school through to specialised training for conservation and biosecurity detection dogs. 

Jen and Ryan live in Port Macquarie with 3 young children and several highly skilled and affectionate dogs.

Their first book "How To Train Your Dog" is a comprehensive guide to raising and training dogs to be released on March 16, 2021. It can be pre-ordered here.