2013-PATS-logos---joint 

In This Issue
Shocking revelations of pet neglect
Aggressive dogs are a serious problem
Poor diet is root cause of pet obesity
Scheme to drive loyalty in independent pet retail
Thousands expected at Discover Dogs this weekend
UK pet companies enjoy export success
Breeder's guide to livefood for reptiles
Westland bird care facilities meet the highest standards
Abandoned rabbit numbers double
Make the most of Christmas pet care sales
Crufts finale on Channel 4
New Pets at Home store in Northern Ireland
BARF Diet pioneers celebrate 30 years in business
Thieves steal pug puppy from pet shop
Young Kennel Club members flock to Careers Day
Pet Product News
HiLife offers to tempt you and your customers
 

Town & Country Petfoods, makers of HiLife petfood, is following the launch of its ultra premium range, HiLife Indulge Me!, with a new super-premium range called HiLife tempt me!
Read more»
Fish4Dogs expand healthy natural treats range
 
Fish4Dogs

Premium Fish4Dogs pet brand has launched two new products which have been created in response to consumer demands for gourmet healthy dog treats...
Read more»
New launches from Pet Munchies
 

Pet Munchies has launched two new 100% Natural Dog Treats in time for Christmas...
Read more»
Canny Collar adds a touch of colour to dog walking
 

The Canny Collar is now available in deep red and royal blue to ensure dogs are colourful on their walks. A baby pink version will soon be available too...
Read more»
Wild bird food range from ChapelWood
 

ChapelWood Wildlife Care has a wide range of wild bird food for winter and is encouraging retailers to stock up in anticipation of a surge in buying activity...
Read more»
Send us your news
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News items and views on topical issues are welcome.
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Aggressive dogs are a serious problem



The 2012 PAW Report reveals frightening levels of problem behaviour in dogs, with growling, snarling and aggression towards people and other animals happening on a regular basis.

The highest levels of problem behaviour are seen in Northern Ireland and the East of England. Of the owners surveyed for the PAW Report, 24% in Northern Ireland reported that their dogs show problem behaviour on a regular basis. This was closely followed by the East of England (20%); North East (19%) and Yorkshire and Humber (19%). The area of the UK with the least reported problem behaviour in dogs was Wales (8%).

The research also reveals that almost one in three (30%) dog owners have been bitten or attacked by a dog with over half (51%) knowing someone else who has.

The PAW Report also warns that while in some cases dogs are deliberately trained to be aggressive, the primary cause of the anti-social behaviour is a lack of socialisation and basic obedience training when dogs are young - 61% of dogs (5.3 million) never attended training classes within their first six months of life, an increase of 11% on last year’s figure.

David Ryan, Clinical Animal Behaviourist and former Chair of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors, says: “Good puppy socialisation and training classes undoubtedly help to reduce the initial development of aggression, but it is also essential to provide our pets with guidance in good behaviour, at home and elsewhere, throughout their lives. Training should be synonymous with ‘living with’ and never stops.”

What is encouraging is that 95% of pet owners believe that dog owners must take full responsibility for their dog’s behaviour; key to this is educating owners on the importance of training and socialisation.

And when it comes to the views of children a shocking 65% reported having been frightened or scared by a dog’s behaviour.

PDSA Senior Veterinary Surgeon, Sean Wensley, says: “Each year there are awful stories of dogs attacking pets and people, sometimes with fatal consequences. Tackling this begins with owners and breeders taking full responsibility for their dogs’ behaviour and adequately socialising and training them from a young age.

"It is also essential that young people understand how to be safe around all pets and learn how to become caring and responsible owners in the future. In PDSA’s view, this should include learning about a pet’s five welfare needs at school as well as from other responsible adults around them.”

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