Your Pets Warehouse, which re-invests its profits to provide job training to out-of-work young people, has received a boost from a £10,000 donation.

The Tonypandy pet store is the brainchild of Kate Wood, who said: “There are a whole host of reasons why some young people don’t always stay on track with their education but giving them the chance to improve their skills is the best way to help them achieve long-term stability through employment."

Hilton Cardiff donated the money to the charity to support the work-based learning, which the company values as a “great way of improving your social skills and employability”.

Kate added: “This donation has been an incredibly generous asset which has helped us to expand our resources so we can offer even more training opportunities to young people who are looking to secure permanent work.

“Our profits from the pet shop are invested back into training for volunteers and staff, but donations and funding from organisations, such as Hilton Cardiff, really help us to sustain and broaden the support we can offer to young people.

“After working in the pet industry for more than 25 years and in a special education school between 2002 and 2006, I realised that I wanted to combine my experiences to create a business which supports those who have been out of work and who want to reconnect with society.

“Your Pets Warehouse is unique in that all trainees, work experience and volunteers must care for the animals at the store, so the extra element of responsibility helps them to appreciate the importance of their role and boost their confidence.

“Having a cuddle with the rabbits and guinea pigs is also a great way for our young people to de-stress if they are having a tough day, which in turn gets the animals used to being handled ready for their future owners.”

The pet shop offers work experience to disadvantaged young people in the area as well as offering a range of NVQ Level 1 qualifications in business administration, customer service and work-based animal care.

Marie Fagan, general manager at Hilton Cardiff, said: “Your Pets Warehouse is an exemplary social enterprise which provides essential work experience and training to young people who may have difficulty securing other learning opportunities.”

There was also mention of Hungry Hector's future on twitter.

Pet Trade Xtra tried to contact the company yesterday but there was no one available for comment.

Butch & Bess has announced its first bespoke label agreement with leading wholesaler, the Booker Group, which owns 30 Makro stores across the UK

Booker approached the Borehamwood-based company to create a blister pack – containing a conditioning shampoo, daily refresher spray, and a pet perfume. 

“It was an exciting challenge to create the brand from scratch. We have a fantastic team behind us that allows us to create private and white labels for retailers,” explained Mark Hirshel and Jo Amit, co-founders of Butch & Bess.

Ruth Percolla, Booker’s impulse team category manager, said: “We are delighted with the bespoke product and innovative packaging Butch & Bess has created for us.

“Mark and Jo are an efficient team who understood my requirements and delivered a full service solution within a tight timescale. The Dog Wash blister pack allows us to offer our customers a natural quality product at an affordable price.”

Visit www.butchandbess.com for further information about Butch & Bess products.

Animology, the multi-award winning British pet care brand from Group55, has been launched in South East Asia by Pet Lovers Centre, the largest pet chain store in Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand.

Since the brand was launched in 2010, Animology has enjoyed quite extraordinary success, both at home and abroad, and the products are now exported to over 40 countries.

Pet Lovers Centre was established in 1973, and now operates 79 stores throughout Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. The agreement sees the full range of Animology shampoos, grooming sprays and vitamins and supplements offered to Pet Lovers Centre’s large and loyal customer base.

Group55’s Export Manager Martin Breen said: “We are delighted to be working with Pet Lovers Centre to bring Animology products to the market in Singapore and Malaysia.

"Pet Lovers Centre stores are the number one destination for pet owners in South East Asia to access top quality products and expert advice, and as such, we really feel that they offer the perfect platform for Animology products. Animology and Pet Lovers Centre share many core values, and we are looking forward to a long and fruitful working relationship together.

"Despite an increasingly competitive global market place, Animology continues to be seen by key retailers around the world as a must-stock brand, which is something we are very proud of and we look forward to working closely with our partners around the world to further develop the scope and reach of Animology in those markets."

Esther Leong, of Pet Lover Centre’s ‘The Pet Safari’ at Nex Mall, Singapore said: “The Animology range has been selling very well, ever since we first stocked up the shelves, and  our customers seem keen to try out these multi-award winning products."

Pictured: Esther Leong, of Pet Lover Centre’s ‘The Pet Safari’ at Nex Mall, Singapore, with Animology products in store.

Irish-based Soopa, the award-winning range of low fat dog chews made from 100% fruit and vegetables, has struck a deal with WOKO Tierbedarf GmbH for its products to be distributed throughout Germany.

Woko was founded in 2009 by owner Wolfang Kochs and is engaged in the production and sale of pet food and accessories in the German market for more than 25 years.

"Wolfgang Kochs and his team have a diversified know-how and expertise concerning the production and sale of pet food," said Soopa's owner Barbsra Hanly. "WOKO is responsible for the exclusive distribution of international premium brands in European markets, especially in Germany. 

"We look forward to introducing Soopa to German dogs and their owners and other exciting markets in the near future."

A new range of stylish, comfortable and durable dog beds are now available from Wooff, exclusively from Pedigree Wholesale. The range includes Slumber Mattresses, Canvas Pillows and Canvas Oval Cushions, in sizes to suit all breeds.

Wooff Slumber Mattresses include a hard wearing waterproof 600D polyester outer with an anti-slip base. The inside is filled with high quality fibre-fill in a non-woven inner pillow which contours to the pets shape, providing the ultimate in comfort.

A zip fastened outer cover is easy to remove for machine washing at 30° C. Available in medium and large sizes, each size available in three colourways (Medium – fuschia, taupe, aqua; Large – red, taupe, anthracite).

Wooff Canvas Pillows include a hard wearing canvas outer and anti-slip base. With double stitched seams for extra strength Wooff Canvas Pillows are filled with high quality fibre-fill in a non-woven inner. A zip fastened outer cover is easy to remove for machine washing at 30° C. Two sizes are available in three colourways – olive, sand and navy.

Available in six sizes Wooff Canvas Oval Cushions include a machine washable canvas outer with anti-slip base. Wooff Canvas Oval Cushions are deep filled with high quality fibre-fill in a non-woven inner, providing the ultimate in comfort. As well as being used on their own Wooff Canvas Oval Cushions are ideal for use in rigid oval beds.

If you would like more information about the new range of Wooff Dog Beds call 0115 982 3900 or email info@petproducts.co.uk

Visitors to PATS Harrogate can expect to see a host of first-time exhibitors and new products when the doors open on the UK’s No.1 pet trade event. The two-day show takes place on Sunday and Monday, September 14-15.

As well as a record number of companies exhibiting their latest product lines, there will be new talks in the informative seminar sessions, grooming demonstrations by members of Groom Team England plus extensive catering and seating plans in place.

Among 170 exhibitors there are 44 companies appearing at PATS Harrogate for the first time, as they see the exhibition as the perfect opportunity to announce their plans for the year ahead.

The Big Dog Bed Company is a relative newcomer to the UK pet trade and will be making its first PATS appearance at Harrogate. With the introduction of products for the veterinary and physiotherapy market plus a new small bed range, director Dru Ross feels it is important to raise the company’s profile. "PATS provides the ideal platform to achieve this," he says.

Silver Pet Prints, a company which enables owners to capture their pets’ paw prints in fine silver, will use the Harrogate show to introduce their unique products to pet retailers and vets. “We learned about PATS by reputation because a few people said it was a really good show. So we felt it was the ideal opportunity to showcase our services there,” explains the company’s Amy Hobson.

PATS Harrogate is also an important date in the calendar for more established companies like Ancol, as its sales director Sarah Lane admits: “PATS is always a great exhibition for us. We look forward to sharing our new ranges with our customers and saying hello to our old friends.”

The New Product Showcase is a great way for visitors to see and touch the new products they will be stocking. In previous years more than 200 new items have been entered into the Showcase so it is the best place to view potential bestsellers. All items entered by manufacturers will be put forward for the New Product Awards judged by a panel of pet retailers.

The PATS Grooming Workshops will feature state-of-the-art grooming demonstrations by new members of Groom Team England – Alison Rogers and Mike Wildman – who will be eager to show off their professional skills.

And a free-to-attend series of seminars will cover new topics including: 30 ways to improve your business in 30 minutes; retailing RAW pet foods; an introduction to condition-appropriate feeding for dogs, and an insight into the life-saving abilities of medical detection dogs.

There is so much to see and do during a trip to PATS Harrogate, and the organisers have recognised that visitors need breaks for rest and refreshments. There will be plenty of seating areas throughout the exhibition halls where people can have meetings or simply rest for a few minutes. Those people arriving before 10am will receive a breakfast voucher, which is redeemable at the Hall B catering points.

PATS also features free entry, a free catalogue and a free park-and-ride scheme. There’s still time for visitors register online at www.patshow.co.uk where a full and up-to-date list of exhibitors is available.

Opening times

Sunday 14th September: 9.00am-5.00pm

Monday 15th September: 9.00am-4.00pm

Award-wninng Pure Pet Food, who recently impressed the Dragons Den on BBC TV, has been now been nominated in the Lloyds Bank Enterprise Awards with the chance to win £50,000 in their company.

The awards recognise the best young entrepreneurs in the country, and it would be another coup for the Yorkshire-based company, who scooped a prestigious PetQuip Award last September.

Pure Pet Food Ltd was started by Mathew Cockroft and Daniel Eha and produces high quality dehydrated dog food, unique from every other product currently available in the UK.

The product is fit for humans to eat and was launched after 12 months of planning, research and taste tests by friends, family and pets.

Launched in August 2013, the company’s products are already listed in over 100 pet specialist stores across the UK, growing at a rate of over three new stores per week.

The initial heats will take place throughout September, with the north taking place in Leeds on Tuesday, September 16.

At the initial heats, winners of both the best start-up and best digital categories will scoop £1,000, whilst the best enterprise winner will receive a cash investment of £5,000.

One-to-one local business mentoring will also be available to prize winners.

The winners from each initial heat will then go on to compete for the overall title of best start-up, best enterprise and best digital at the grand final in Edgbaston on 15 October, where they will be judged by an expert business panel including Tim Campbell, former Apprentice winner and founder of the Bright Ideas Trust.

The overall best enterprise award winner will receive £50,000 to invest in their business, the best start up will win £10,000, and the best digital will win time with several leading industry digital marketing experts worth over £10,000.

The Pet Charity has welcomed the fact that Marc Abraham’s PupAid e-petition has raised public awareness of the blight that is puppy farming but said it was very concerned that the proposed debate over the sale of puppies and kittens in pet shops was misdirected and would actually do little to end this appalling trade.

The organisation added that in skewing a debate to be anti-pet shops, it went against much of what The Pet Charity advocated when guiding the public in selecting a pet.

Agood specialist pet shop that sells animals will have qualified personnel, will be inspected not only by public traffic, but also by their local authority and as part of their licence is required to keep a record of their pet suppliers, it argued.

Paul Miley, Chairman, said: “The Pet Charity supports all organisations that are working towards ending the cruel practice of puppy farming, but we believe the focus should be to tackle unregulated websites and newspaper ads, together with stricter enforcement of border control to stop the huge rise in these animals being imported from across Europe. 

"Solely pet shops have been stigmatised for selling puppies and kittens for many years, so it is now only a handful that have licenses and even fewer that actually sell them. Instead, significant pet numbers are now bought and sold through internet advertising, with no controls on impulse purchase and no recourse if the owner needs advice. This debate is a missed opportunity to really sort out the issue, whilst at the same it will lessen public confidence in the one place that is licensed, regulated, trained and accountable – good specialist pet shops.”

In speaking for the pet owner, The Pet Charity is able to point out the misalignment of standards that exist for anyone trying to do the right thing in buying a pet. Whether from a registered breeder, a hobby breeder, a re-homing centre or a retailer, the public should expect the same standards; frustratingly this is not the case and this motion fails to address it. The Pet Charity therefore asks everyone concerned with this debate to work together and bring in a level playing field. Quite simply that anyone selling a pet animal (whether retailer, breeder or re-homing centre) should be registered with their local authority, open to independent inspection, have personnel (whether volunteer or salaried) trained and qualified in pet animal welfare and be able to issue the appropriate guidance on long term care for the pet.

"The Pet Charity calls upon the industry, welfare charities, campaign groups and pet societies to end the anomalies that allow not just puppy farming but pet welfare problems to exist. Prompted by Marc Abraham’s petition we would like to see an end to private homes registered as pet shops, registration for the thousands of re-homing centres, the rejection that a hobby breeder can have up to five litters per year (from two bitches, we would consider this ‘farming’) and revisions to the current PET Travel Scheme that has a loophole allowing for commercially-bred foreign puppies to be brought into the UK as domestic pets," added the charity.

Lastly, we would call for collaboration that acknowledges that great strides have been made in pet welfare, many of them coming from the leading welfare charities but also from the professional pet businesses that have allowed the British public to benefit from their strong relationship with pets in our society.

MPs are due to take part in a debate in the House of Commons today on the regulation of the sale of puppies and kittens.

The debate will take place after the PupAid petition – set up by TV vet Marc Abraham – received over 100,000 signatures and was granted Parliamentary time. The petition calls for the ban on the sale of puppies and kittens without their mother present, with plans to raise public awareness of large-scale commercial breeding establishments, known as puppy and kitten farms.

It will be the first debate of its kind to discuss puppy farming, responsible breeding and rescue pet adoption, and the campaign has the support of several animal welfare groups, including Dogs’ Trust, Battersea Cats and Dogs Home and the Kennel Club.

PupAid founder Marc Abrahams said: "These puppies are usually unvaccinated, un-socialised and removed from their mothers too early. They’re then sent long distances cross country and sold en masse – usually poorly and riddled with painful disease – to pet shops, private dealers and for sale through websites.”

Following their win of ‘Best New Grooming Product 2014’ at PATS Sandown, for their range of Luxury Conditioning Dog Shampoos, Precious Pets London’s full range has now also been shortlisted by PetQuip for their prestigious ‘Pet Product Innovation of the Year’ 2014 award. The winner is to be shortly announced at PATS Harrogate, Sunday, September 14.

The entire range of conditioning pet shampoos and moisturising eau de toilettes are being considered as a great innovation because they are so different from what is currently available on the market. Unlike most other products, they are not only naturally derived and produced in the UK, they’re also human grade quality.

This is important because, as Charlotte Nash, one of the company’s founders, explained “Believe it or not pet cosmetics are not regulated under the same category as human cosmetics, but come under household cleaning products! This gives you some idea of what could potentially be in many dog shampoos, particularly those that are very cheap and highly synthetic.”

As many dogs, owners and groomers now suffer from skin problems and allergies, often caused or exacerbated by the use of harsh products, the range has been extremely well received universally.

According to co-founder, Gregory Nash, the secret to the large range of benefits, unique to their products, is the combination of their naturally derived ingredients. Particularly Coconut Oil, which is the main active ingredient in both ranges of shampoos and eau de toilettes.

“The main ingredient for all of our products is coconut milk because it has so many fantastic natural moisturising, conditioning and healing properties. Unlike other perfumes, ours is not alcohol based and non of our products contain harmful parabans or SLS either. They’re suitable for sensitive skin and also scented with beautiful blends of calming essential oils, making them smell as sumptuous as they perform.”

Other highly beneficial ingredients in their Luxury Conditioning Shampoos include Aloe Vera, Oats, Vitamin B5 and Chamomile extracts, leaving a healthy natural shine to the coat. The matching ranges of scented shampoos and eau de toilettes are called Country Garden, Vanilla Dreams and Citrus Sunshine. The company also has scent free shampoos called Simply Scentless for dogs and Simply Scentless for cats. They are designed for hypersensitive skin, acting as a natural alternative to medicated shampoos.

Trade can visit them at PATS Harrogate stand E27 September 14-15, where groomers will receive 20% off retail starter pack when bought with any 5litre.

Retail units also stocked through Vital Pet Products and Centaur Services. www.preciouspetslondon.com

Supa Ltd has launched a range of Contemporary Wild Bird Feeders. This new range of wild bird feeders has been designed to cater for those people who not only enjoy feeding wild birds but like a feeder with a difference.

The range of Contemporary Feeders comes in a selection of colours and styles which should cater for all tastes. These feeders make ideal gifts. This new range is made to the highest standards from quality materials and has suggested retail prices from £6.99 to £18.99.

Stocked by all leading wholesalers: Armstrong Richardson, R & E Bamfords, Bestpets, Pedigree Wholesale, Su-Bridge Pet Supplies, Trust Pet Products & Vital Pet Products.

For more information email: sales@supa-aquatics.co.uk

A master at Cambridge University has been allowed to keep his banned pet dog in his accommodation after convincing officials it is in fact a "very large cat".

The master of Selwyn College of Cambridge University, Roger Mosey, is allowed to house his Bassett hound YoYo, despite dogs not being allowed to stay at the college.

However, following the example of former Professor Owen Chadwick who kept dogs in accommodation during the mid-1900s, Mosey managed to get the council to approve his rescue dog - as cats are allowed in the housing.

According to the BBC, Mosey said officials "tongue-in-cheek agreed YoYo could stay as a large cat”, resulting in the decision written in the council’s minutes: "College Animal - Noting precedent under the mastership of Professor Chadwick, Council approved the Master's request to adopt a Very Large Cat in the Master's Lodge."

Mosey added when he is seen in public with Yoyo, people now call out “hey, I love your big cat!”.

Mosey began the position of master of Selwyn in October, after having worked as BBC’s director of the London 2012 Olympic Games. Since the decision was made, YoYo has appeared in publicity for various college materials.

Ancol has donated a range of products to a cat rescue centre in Stoke on Trent.

Iris’ Cats in Need was established 30 years ago by Iris Wright after she began looking after abandoned cats and kittens. Run from Iris’ home, the charity’s small team of volunteers work to care for over 1,000 stray or abandoned cats every year, with the aim of finding them loving, responsible homes. 

Ancol Sales Director Sarah Lane said: “After hearing about the good work that Iris’ Cats in Need do, we were delighted to help by donating a selection of our Acticat furniture, toys, beds, brushes and collars.”

Volunteer Laura Hadley thanked the company for their generosity, adding: “We really appreciate them donating the various cat products – we know they will be loved by all the cats and kittens we look after.”

Pictured: Volunteer Chelsea helping to hand rear foster kittens.

Retailers throughout the UK can sign up for ‘Royal Canin on the Road’ – a mobile theatre unit, designed to bring in new customers and drive sales, with the intention of bringing precise, tailored nutrition to cats and dogs everywhere.

Gemma Duffield, Royal Canin retail marketing manager, says: “Planned product demonstrations are one of the best ways to generate consumer footfall and improve brand loyalty. 

"The Royal Canin on the Road van is a great tool with which to make both these things happen. So far it has attended a number of events, including a visit to the Northumberland County Show which attracts over 25,000 visitors.  Initial feedback has been enormously positive, with people even posting on Facebook asking for the van to come to their area.”

 ‘Royal Canin on the Road’ can provide participating retailers with store specific advertising pre-event, outdoor media to bring pet owners to the store, trained staff to help customers define their pets’ nutritional needs, goody bags and special prize draw offer on the day, and vouchers to encourage further purchase and repeat visits.

The package includes an A1 window poster, 200 free flyers, free samples on the day, and money-off vouchers for distribution at the till. Retailers who sign up for a two day or four day event will receive further investment such as local press advertising, targeted local door drops with a free 400g bag offer, emails to all Royal Canin customers registered at the store, and a facebook post for the store on Royal Canin’s own facebook page.

Smart door to door targeting means Royal Canin can target potential customers for dog and cat food within the local area, while computers on board the show vehicle enable customers to sign up and benefit from event-associated special prize draws, linked to a series of future initiatives to keep them coming back for more.

The vehicle itself is fully staffed, and offers two access points, plus full disabled access. Royal Canin on the Road can operate off mains electricity or the van’s own generator facility.

Gemma says: “We have planned this to offer our retail partners a complete package – pre-event visibility; activity on the day; and follow-up to make sure that the contacts made turn into customers for life.  We’re very proud and delighted to be able to offer this kind of service to the UK specialist pet trade, and we believe it will generate ongoing business for each and every retailer who takes part.”

For more information, contact your Royal Canin business manager, call 0845 606 9980 or visit www.royalcanin.co.uk.

Professional rabbit jumpers are jetting into the NEC, courtesy of Burgess Pet Care, for this year’s National Pet Show; and with around 18,000 people expected to attend on September 20-21 this growing sports spectacle is not to be missed.

Back by popular demand and with a brand new course for 2014, the leading rabbit experts and their hopping rabbits will descend on Birmingham to showcase the natural speed and agility of these lovable furries, which will involve the rabbits jumping over hurdles and hopping round a course; making it the ‘must attend’ event for pet lovers across the country.

Richard Rockett, Marketing Manager at Burgess Pet Care, said: “We are delighted to be bringing the rabbit jumpers back to the National Pet Show this year. Popularity has grown since they first arrived on British soil in 2011, and this year’s Grand National of the rabbit world promises to be better than ever.”

And that’s not all, as sponsors of the Small Furries Square at the UK’s largest multi-species pet show, Burgess Pet Care are planning a host of spectacles and activities to keep the whole family entertained; such as willow ball making for children and educational talks and demonstrations. 

The stand, located at the entrance of the Small Furries Square, will display Burgess’ complete range of products and they will be offering customers the chance to buy their small animal treats for just £1. Visitors can also get their hands on a free £2 voucher when signing up to Burgess’ new Pet Club – a free monthly newsletter packed with tips and advice to help members keep their bunnies and other furry friends in optimum condition.

Richard concludes: “Our expert team will be on hand to keep the whole family entertained, and, of course, provide visitors with the best possible advice on keeping their pets in good health.”

Bird food and accessory manufacturer Walter Harrison’s has extended its range of wild bird foods.

Following high demand, the popular range of Suet Rolls now includes a new six-pack, featuring three different ‘bird favourite’ flavours - Wild Berries, Seed & Insect and Peanut. The rolls all contain a high-energy blend of premium grade suet, seeds and oils, providing birds with a feed suitable for all year round.

Priced at £13.49, the Suet Rolls 6 pack offers consumers a saving whilst allowing retailers to achieve volume sales.

In addition to the Suet Roll 6 pack, the new range features Suet Balls – a blend of suet, seeds, oils and mealworms. Available in a re-sealable and reusable tub for £13.99 or a refill box for £11.49, they offer value for money.

For every product sold a proportion of sales goes to the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust to support its conservation and education programmes. 

Monkeys and ring-tailed lemurs are among primates being flogged to the public in high street pet stores, an animal welfare charity has claimed. 

A Born Free Foundation investigation found one shop that kept monkeys in parrot cages — and advised prospective owners to do the same at home. 

The shop also recommended the monkey should have a “spare bedroom or garage” to roam around in the day time. 

A government spokesman said: “Primates are wild animals with complex needs and it is already against the law to keep them in a domestic pet environment.”

But the foundation said the government wasn’t doing enough to close loopholes that allow their sale. 

Pedigree Wholesale have announced a distribution agreement with All For Paws. The range, which includes a comprehensive selection of toys and accessories for both dogs and cats, will be launched at PATS Harrogate this month.

All For Paws specialise in unique products for pets that meet the ever-changing lifestyles of their owners, and each product has its own individual features and benefits, enabling retailers to maximise sales all year round.

Featured products include the All For Paws Classic Roadkill toys - which Pedigree Wholesale now supply along with other lines exclusively in the UK – and the New Puppy collection, as well as a range of cat products.

Manufactured using high quality materials such as lamb’s wool, All For Paws products come in eye-catching, collection specific packaging, giving them maximum appeal in store. To keep lines up to date, the company has an ongoing programme of new product development. 

Animal welfare officers have warned pet owners to be vigilant after the suspected poisoning of more than a dozen cats in one Nottinghamshire village.

The RSCPA, supported by the police, is investigating the deaths which happened over the summer in Calverton.

The RSPCA stressed the deaths could have been accidental but said it wanted to prevent further incidents.

Nick Lawlor claimed his cat died after it was deliberately poisoned.

He said his seven-year-old cat Piper probably ingested anti-freeze.

"Everybody's got their suspicions, nobody has any real proof, I'm just scared it's going to be someone I talk to every day," he said.

Residents have been mapping where cats have died or gone missing

"For how violent the death is it's not just about hurting cats, I don't think, someone is trying to cause as much pain and misery as they can."

Lee Poole has also claimed his cat was deliberately poisoned and said it had to be put down by a vet because it was so ill.

He said: "[There's] no chance it's an accident... a lot of people are concerned and won't let their cats out."

The RSPCA said in a statement: "We just want to warn people in the area and urge cat owners to be vigilant. This could have been accidental, but we want to prevent further incidents in the future."

Nottinghamshire Police said they were supporting the RSPCA's investigation.

You’ll feel like you were there when you watch this video of the Pre-Continental Shepherd Trials 2014!

Now in its third year the Pre-Continentals had competitors from 10 countries at Hoogwoud, the Netherlands.

Peter Melling, who has also produced videos on CSJ’s website on sled-dog racing, agility and flyball competitions was on the spot to catch all the action.

The first scene shows the Mayor of Opmeer leading a flock of some of the 600 sheep that were used in the trial to the competition field and you’ll see many of the runs together with diagrams of the course and clear explanations of how points are scored.

Peter also interviewed competitors who discuss how they choose their dogs and tell stories about their entry into the sheepdog world and the journey top trialling.

Serge van der Zweep from Switzerland took the Championship with his dog Eve and amazingly also took second place with his dog Gary and in the video you will see Eve standing with her foot firmly on the winners trophy!

You don’t have to own a sheepdog to be interested…you just need an interest in dogs to appreciate the skill of these men, women and their dogs.

To watch the video click here

The UK’s Number 1* normal nutrition specialist brand is proud to announce the launch of the new BETA Breed Specific Range.  As dog breed groups have similar characteristics and needs, BETA Breed Specific products offer high quality and Complete Dry Dog nutrition tailored for the 4 most popular breed families – Spaniels, Shepherds and Setters, Terriers and Retrievers.

The Advanced Nutrition category is currently the only segment of the market offering tailored nutrition for a variety of different breed types.  Pet owners believe their dogs are special and those shopping for Normal Nutrition brands in the Specialist channel are likely to be looking for tailored, quality nutrition too.  PURINA, with its 85 years of expertise in dog nutrition and behaviour has carefully developed the Breed Group Specific range offering tailored nutrition for specific breed groups.

It is important for consumers to understand how each recipe is tailored to the individual needs of the different breed types and the new pack format allows simple communication of the benefits for each breed.  There is also a strong visual link on front of pack to the breeds they are developed for and the imagery used.

Here is a summary of how each recipe has been specifically formulated for each breed type:

• Spaniels are lively by nature which means they need a food that will sustain their energy needs throughout the day.  BETA Spaniels is specially formulated with high levels of protein and fat to help them maintain their extremely active nature and vitality for life.  Also suitable for hunting dogs.
• Shepherds and Setters are natural born explorers but they can be more prone to sensitive digestion.  BETA Shepherds and Setters is specially formulated with ingredients that are easy on dog’s intestines and contains all the right nutrients to help keep muscle mass in peak condition.
• Terriers are always on the lookout for adventure and love a good run around in the hope of finding it.  BETA Terriers formula is a balanced mix of nutrients designed to replenish energy, help maintain muscle mass and help keep bones strong and healthy.
• Retrievers love playtime – and they also love mealtimes.  BETA Retrievers is a specially balanced formula with all the nutrients needed for a healthy, active life but with reduced fat levels compared with BETA Adult to help keep optimal body condition.

For more information please contact your PURINA Business Development Manager or visit www.purina-beta.co.uk

*Reg. Trademark of Société des Produits Nestlé S.A.

*IRI value share – Total pet specialist w/e 9^th Nov 2013 (excluding PAH)