The Pet Charity, which aims to promote the joy and benefits pets have on society, is launching in the UK with the objective of commissioning research projects that demonstrate the positive impact of pets.

To demonstrate the health and wellbeing pets can bring to society, The Pet Charity will commission research in order to promote pet ownership and thereby increase the number of pet-owning households and pet populations in the UK today.

This research will help develop the charity’s lobbying and campaigning strategies as it seeks to run programmes as diverse as encouraging pets in schools and care homes, and permitting ownership under tenancy agreements.

Board members for The Pet Charity have experience in animal welfare, health research and charity governance, supported by notable appointments from industry bodies. This will ensure the work of the charity gains support from both the pet owning and non-pet owning public, alongside commercial organisations and businesses.

Collaboration is a key theme for The Pet Charity and it welcomes the opportunity to work with existing charities and industry bodies, many of whom have long supported charitable activity.  Alongside this, The Pet Charity will be helping to guide and educate the public in selecting the right pet for their lifestyle.

Paul Miley, Chairman, for The Pet Charity, says: “The pet industry is a vibrant and developing part of the UK’s GDP but, more importantly, it is pets that are at the centre of many families, and we believe now is the time to make a bigger impact with the public.

"In arguing for pet owning backed by the research that demonstrates it is good for us, and of course always educating the public to meet the needs of their pets, we see at long last the industry has a cause which it can support.

“Pets enrich our lives, and robust research has demonstrated that pet ownership is of enormous value to the community. On average, older people with pets make 21% fewer visits to their doctor, whilst children benefit from a stronger immune system if they own a pet.”

The work of The Pet Charity will be combined with a media strategy, which will position it as the ‘go to’ charity for positive pet stories in order to promote pet keeping throughout the UK. 

For more information visit www.thepetcharity.org.uk

Nestle Purina Pet Care is ploughing more than £250,000 into reducing unpleasant odours which have led to complaints from people living close to its Sudbury factory.

The emissions from the factory do not pose any danger to public health, they comply with environmental guidelines and levels have been within regulations for the past few years.

But public complaints tend to reach a pitch in the summer months when residents are spending time in their gardens.

Nestle Purina has set up a new liaison group which was invited to the factory recently to hear about measures already being taken to combat the problem.

This includes continuing to work closely with the Environment Agency as part of an ongoing odour management plan and an investment of more than £250,000 in equipment to help decrease emission sources. New control software has also enabled the company to monitor emissions more successfully.

Sudbury mayor Adrian Osborne, who is part of the liaison group, told Sudbury Town Council he was impressed with the company’s commitment.

He said Nestle Purina play a “big part in the community” and are planning to introduce an apprenticeship scheme to get young people involved in skilled production processes.

He said: “The odour coming from the factory has been causing concern for many years but Nestle Purina has changed the way they operate their processes.

“They were very welcoming and told the four residents who attended that £250,000 has already been invested in trying to combat the odour.

“They are using high technology to get rid of the smell and they are going to monitor it every day.

“I am convinced that they are committed to working with the community, and the residents who attended were very satisfied.”

Fellow councillor Jack Owen added: “They have been annoying the community for many years with this foul smell and it’s just a shame they didn’t set up this group years ago.”

Pooch & Mutt's newly launched Pocket Pack treats are now available through Pedigree Wholesale.

The Pocket Packs are available in the bestselling flavours from the original range of treats, “Calm & Relaxed” and “Fresh Breath”.

These easy, on the go treats are available in shelf ready boxes of 12 and are perfect to take on summer walks.

Julie Davis, from Pedigree Wholesale, says: “We are ecstatic to add a great addition to the Pooch & Mutt range, as the Pocket Packs will be a wonderful addition for any business focused on natural and healthy products."

The treats in the Pocket Packs are ethically made with no artificial preservatives, wheat-free and hand baked. With 8 large bone shaped biscuits per pocket pack, this is a great value and impulse purchase that store owners and customers will truly appreciate.

Guy Blaskey, founder of Pooch & Mutt, says: “The reaction to the Pocket Packs has been incredible and we are extremely pleased that Pedigree Wholesale is now stocking them. The rest of the Pooch & Mutt range, including the full sized tubes of treats and supplements, are also available through Pedigree Wholesale."

Calm & Relaxed contains chamomile, l-tryptophan and valerian to help keep dogs calm and relaxed. Fresh Breath contains parsley, peppermint oil and yucca to help dogs have fresh breath. These two variations will be a great addition to Pedigree Wholesale and can be ordered directly by using code 71575 for Calm & Relaxed and code 71576 for Fresh Breath. Each box is £­­­6.72 plus VAT to trade, with an RRP of £12 per box. Each Pocket Pack retails for £1 per pack.

The eye catching and appealing boxes hold 12 perfectly fitted Pocket Packs which can be displayed beside tills and on shelves to catch customers’ eyes as an impulse purchase.

For more information email samantha@poochandmutt.com or call 0203 0111 567.

"It is with very mixed feelings that I announce to you that I have taken another position within Royal Canin. From 1st May I will take on a new role as General Manager of the French subsidiary.

"It has been a hard decision for me to make particularly given the opportunities that I see still existing to work together with all of our partners to promote responsible feeding of cats and dogs within the UK and Irish markets. 

"Over the past 5 years it has been my pleasure to work with you, learning more about the UK and Irish markets and I am grateful for the support and kindness you and all of our partners have shown me and Crown Pet Foods.

"I am however delighted to be able to announce that Andy Reed has accepted the position as new General Manager of Crown Pet Foods. Andy will be known to many of you for his strong knowledge and dedication to both the trade and the company and I know his strong leadership skills will propel Crown Pet Foods safely into the next phase of its development.

"With the potential of so many animals still to be fed with tailored health nutrition products through our specialist retailers, veterinarians and partners, I know that the UK and Ireland pet food market continues to have great potential for growth and with this in mind, may I take this opportunity to thank you for all of your support and to wish you every success in the coming years.

Due to the unrivalled success of our e-mail newsletter publishing operation we need now need to expand our sales team.

We’re looking for the ideal person to take on the sales of our unique mix of banners, buttons, Webitorials and E-mail Advertorial special issues for Pet Trade Xtra, GTN Xtra and GTN Food Xtra.

If you have telephone and face-to-face sales experience, have a good understanding of digital media and an interest in either the pet, gardening or catering markets then joining our team could be the ideal opportunity for you.

Our company is renowned for producing excellent b2b editorially-led products that fully engage with our audiences and provide real results for our advertisers and commercial partners.

To find out more about this great opportunity, please send an e-mail to Trevor Pfeiffer making your case to be interviewed, together with your current CV.  E-mail trevor.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk.

The £1.2bn flotation of Handforth-based retail group Pets at Home has been named Insider's Deal of the Month for March.

The Cheshire business raised £280m with its flotation which gave it a market capitalisation of £1.2bn.

Pets at Home, which was originally founded in 1991 with a store in Chester, plans to increase its store portfolio to more than 500 locations.

The group also operates small animal veterinary surgeries, principally under a joint venture model using the Companion Care and Vets4Pets brand names and in-store Groom Room grooming salons, and further growth in these areas of its business is also planned.

Insider news editor David Casey said: "2014 is shaping up to be the resurgence of the float and here in the North West we've already seen Pets at Home, Boohoo and AO in the early part of the year.

"Pets at Home has big plans for its growth and store expansion so with the UK's reputation as a nation of pet lovers, the improving economic picture, and an experienced board in place, things can only continue to get better for the business."

Preparations for the 16th staging of Zoomark 2015 in Italy are now under way, building on the success of last year's event, and PetQuip has announced it will again be organising a British group stand. The event will take place on May 7-10 2015 in Bologna.

The show features more than 1,000 brands, the top products worldwide, and the industry’s key buyers, with more than 600 companies from 40 countries.

More than 22,760 trade professionals attended Zoomark in 2013, including 5,890 from overseas. This 9% increase also marked a record number of nationalities: 82 in all. New arrivals included Azerbaijan, Grenada, Peru, Uganda, Cambodia, the Philippines, Indonesia and New Caledonia, while the event also saw the return of visitors from Moldavia, Monaco, Argentina, Chile, Colombia and Guatemala.

This international profile is the cornerstone for the forthcoming event and Zoomark has received key acknowledgement of this from the Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce, which awarded it Trade Fair Certification for its professional expertise and track record for offering companies excellent business opportunities. This, together with the presence of large official delegations of exhibitors from the US, Brazil, Canada, China and Great Britain at the 2015 event, is a strong, positive signal for all the international markets.

To register your interest in taking a stand email theresa@petquip.com

It's a busy time for PetQuip and its members. Plans are now well advanced for organising a British group at Interzoo at the end of May this year, and entries are being received for the PetQuip Awards in September.

There are seven categories for the PetQuip Awards, which are:

1. UK Pet Retailer of the Year
2. International Retailer of the Year
3. Supplier of the Year
4. Wholesaler of the Year
5. Pet Product Innovation of the Year
6. Pet Product Exporter of the Year
7. Lifetime Achievement Award

Entry for the awards is completely free of charge and companies or persons can enter as many categories as they wish. Nominations need to be emailed to pat@petquip.com by 30th June 2014.

Nominations can come directly from the entrant or be submitted by another party. The application needs to provide full contact details of the entrant and stipulate which category they wish to enter.

All applications should include brief information on the reason for the entry and why the particular product, company or person qualifies for an award. On receipt of an entry, PetQuip will forward a simple form for the entrant to complete that will provide entry information for the judges. The form will be accompanied by the Terms and Conditions.

The entries will be judged by an independent panel of judges during August and the winners will be announced at the PetQuip Awards Party on 14 September 2014, which is being staged in association with Impact Exhibitions, the organiser of PATS Harrogate.

Organiser Pat Flynn, PetQuip’s association manager, commented: ‘”PATS has proved to be a fantastic trade show for the industry, and our awards are intended to recognise some of the major achievements of the past season, whilst also bring an element of fun to the event.

"We have been fortunate to recruit The Rockits, the resident band from the Cavern Club in Liverpool, to provide the entertainment at the event, which is being held in the Majestic Hotel in Harrogate. The Rockits are a fantastic group, and their performance at a recent industry event resulted in eight encores!”

Further information on these prestigious awards, details of how to enter and the booking form to secure Early Bird Discount tickets for the awards and party night are available from Pat Flynn on telephone (+44) 07778 313623 or e-mail: pat@petquip.com; or from the PetQuip secretariat on 01959 565995 or e-mail: info@petquip.com

Veterinary scientists have given the first ever clinical proof of the effect of joint supplements on dogs' mobility, following a rigorous two-and-a-half year research study into YUMOVE.

State-of-the-art activity monitors, which were originally developed to track wild cat movements on the African plains, were used by specialists at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) to record dogs' mobility levels in their home environment for 42 days. In the placebo-controlled study the dogs on YUMOVE were significantly more mobile after just 6 weeks of use.

It's the first time a joint supplement has been clinically proven and in such a short period, meaning YUMOVE can be recommended to dog owners with confidence.

The clinical study was sponsored by YUMOVE manufacturer Lintbells Ltd, who announced the results at the prestigious veterinary event BSAVA Congress this month.

Co-founder Dr John Howie said: "This is a really exciting development for us, because although we had significant feedback from dog owners and vets about how well YUMOVE worked, we felt it was important to establish independent, rigorous clinical evidence.

"There is a great deal of uncertainty and confusion when it comes to joint supplements but this study will give clarity to those advising dog owners."

Lead investigator at the RVC Dr Matthew Pead declared the study a major step forward for canine mobility.

"It took nine months of careful planning to ensure a robust methodology was developed to provide clear clinical results that can be relied on with confidence," said Dr Pead.

Dr Howie concluded: "With an estimated 1.2 million dogs suffering from joint and mobility issues and only approximately 10 to 15 per cent receiving a nutritional supplement, Lintbells believes that providing an affordable, proven product that owners can rely on will uncap the significant market opportunity for specialist pet suppliers."

For more information please visit www.lintbells.com

Pictured: Dr Matthew Pead (left) and Dr John Howie at BSAVA Congress.

Gardman’s new wild bird care ‘keep fresh’ packaging means garden centre retailers can now create a more attractive on shelf display that will help drive up sales. 

The new designs feature re-sealable stickers to keep seeds fresh, thicker film for a premium look and feel, a squarer pack shape to enable clearer communication and a block bottom for easy ‘stand-up’ on shelf. These elements combined with standardised pack sizes of 1.8Kg for all special blends mean retailers’ eye-catching displays will entice shoppers to trade up. 

“We have taken the time to develop a really deep understanding of shoppers’ preferences so we can ensure we are delivering compelling in store displays that will capture their attention,” explained Tim Goff, Category Director at Gardman. 

“This understanding has driven the new designs, which will make a big impact at the fixture and persuade consumers to purchase a higher value product.”

Available to order now, the new and improved packaging has been rolled out across the entire Gardman range of bird feeds including the special blends  (Robin, Blue Tit, Finch, Songbird and Winter Warmer) and the No Mess and No Grow Blends. The only feeds not available in the new packs are Seed Mix and Peanut. 

Retailers wishing to order should get in touch with their agent.  

PATS Sandown 2014 was a successful and exciting time for well-established equine supplement specialist, Global Herbs, who launched its new pet range for dogs and cats at the show.

To celebrate, as well as exclusive offers and deals, Global Herbs ran a competition to win an iPad Mini and the lucky winner was Jackie from Young's Nurseries in Kent.

Jackie said: “I am delighted with the iPad Mini and my grandchildren are going to show me how to use it!”

To find out more about Global Herbs and keep up to date on competitions and news, visit www.globalherbs.co.uk or www.facebook.com/GlobalHerbsLtd

Ancol has appointed Michael Stanyon as its new Territory Manager for the East of England, which will see him managing relationships with hundreds of independent pet stores across the region.

“Having spent the last 20 years in the food industry, I was looking for something completely different and was really interested when I found out about this role," said Michael.

"As we have always had pets in our family, I felt I had some experience of the market and now I’ve started at Ancol, I’m really enjoying the role. I look forward to meeting all my clients over the coming weeks.”

Sales Director Sarah Lane added: “Michael joined us a few weeks ago and has really hit the ground running. Although Michael is new to the pet industry, he brings with him a wealth of experience in sales, merchandising and display – all essential skills for working with our wholesalers and retailers.”

This year sees Ancol investing in its sales team to support the launch of several new and exciting products.

For more information visit www.ancol.co.uk or call the sales team on 01922 402428.

Scruffts, the competition that gives crossbreed dogs the opportunity to compete in the main arena at Crufts, is looking for Suffolk’s top dogs as it comes to the All About Dogs event at Trinity Park in Ipswich on Saturday.

Dogs and owners competing at the heat are hoping to make it through to the semi-finals, held at Discover Dogs at London’s Earls Court in November, and from there six lucky crossbreed dogs will qualify for Crufts 2015. 

Ipswich has had a reputation in the past for premier crossbreeds, after Barley, a Pyrenean Mountain Dog/Golden Retriever cross from the town, and his young owner, Annabel Shemming, made it all the way to the first ever Scruffts final to be held at Crufts in 2013. Now all crossbreeds and mixed breed dogs in the area have the chance to follow in their footsteps as they are invited to take part in the Scruffts Family Crossbreed Dog of the Year competition, sponsored by James Wellbeloved, where all shapes, sizes and ages of dog are welcome.

Each dog entered in the competition will have a few minutes to dazzle the judges in one or more of the six competition categories: Most Handsome Crossbreed Dog, Prettiest Crossbreed Bitch, Child’s Best Friend, Golden Oldie Crossbreed, Best Crossbreed Rescue and the Good Citizen Dog Scheme class.  For entry criteria for each class, visit www.scruffts.org.uk. 

Caroline Kisko, Secretary of the Kennel Club, which organises the competition, said: “Scruffts celebrates the love, companionship and often heroic stories of our nation’s crossbreed dogs, and raises money for the Kennel Club Charitable Trust, which makes a difference for dogs by funding a wide variety of work ranging from supporting research into canine diseases to welfare initiatives.

“The fun competition is perfect for the whole family to enjoy and is a great way of socialising dogs and getting to meet other dog lovers in your area.  We are very much looking forward to seeing Suffolk’s wonderful crossbreeds in action.”

The All About Dogs show is held on Good Friday and Saturday, and features everything from spectacular dog display teams to entertaining fun and games.

Registration for the competition starts from 10am and the competition begins at 1pm.  Entering a dog into Scruffts costs just £2 per class and all entry money will be split between the Kennel Club Charitable Trust and the All About Dog’s chosen charity.  There is no need to enter in advance, just simply turn up on the day.

Your Dog magazine is the media sponsor of the competition for the third year running, meaning that the winners of each heat will not only receive delicious James Wellbeloved goodies, but a copy of the latest Your Dog magazine too.

For more information on the Scruffts Family Crossbreed Dog of the Year competition, please visit www.scruffts.org.uk. For further information about All About Dogs at Trinity Park, Suffolk, visit www.allaboutdogsshow.co.uk.

Pictured: Scruffts 2014 Winner – Sarah Singleton and Wylie.

Pure-bred dogs are no less healthy than their cross-breed counterparts, according to a new large-scale study which questions their reputation for poor health.

Scientists from the Royal Veterinary College analysed the medical records of 150,000 dogs expecting to prove the conventional wisdom that selective breeding makes pedigrees more vulnerable to serious conditions such as heart murmurs and joint problems.

But, to their surprise, it turned out that mongrel and pedigree dogs have broadly the same chance of developing the most common health problems.

Dr Dan O'Neill, who led the study, told the newspaper: "The outcome is that there is not strong or convincing evidence of a difference between purebreeds and crossbreeds in their health.

"There is this image of crossbreeds as paragons of health. In fact they are just crosses of purebreds, with combinations of prevalences you find in their parent. It is not that they are healthier overall, and it is wrong to stigmatise purebreds."

Estimates suggest that around three quarters of Britain's 9million pet dogs are pedigrees.

The 150,000 dogs studied included mongrel dogs as well as selectively-bred crosses such as labradoodles and cockerpoos, but did not suggest a difference in their overall health.

Although the chances of a given dog developing diseases was not affected by the purity of their breed, the data did reveal that crossbreeds on average live a year longer than pedigrees - to 13 instead of 12.

Well-known industry figure and former GIMA director, Neil Gow, has joined the Glee team, helping to drive a number of new initiatives that have been introduced for the 2014 show at the NEC in September.

A passionate and highly driven member of the garden retail industry, Neil’s appointment comes at a time when Glee enters into a new and exciting era. In his new role, Neil will be leading the development of Glee’s latest initiatives, including bringing plants back to the heart of the show. 

Additionally, Neil will be coordinating an inward mission of international garden retailers, showcasing examples of British garden centre best practice, as well as developing the show’s new product awards.

Talking about this appointment Neil Gow said: “I have always believed Glee to be a vital part of our industry for both exhibitors and retailers. It should be viewed by all manufacturers and suppliers as the leading showcase for innovation and business development.

"For retailers, particularly the independent outlets it is a vital source for getting to see suppliers and new products. I hope that my involvement will further strengthen Glee’s offering, and I look forward to cementing these new initiatives as a must-see part of the show in 2014 and beyond.”

i2i’s Matthew Mein, Glee event manager added: “We are very pleased to confirm the appointment of Neil to the Glee team.  Neil is a respected and knowledgeable figurehead of the industry, and we’ve no doubt that his involvement will benefit Glee significantly.  With experience as a retailer, and also from his time at GIMA, Neil has a very clear understanding of what matters to both manufacturers and retailers – something that will no doubt stand the show in good stead for the coming months.”

In 2014 Glee enters a new era as it moves to a new location within the NEC’s Halls 17 – 20; creating a host of fresh indoor and outdoor exhibiting, feature and visitor opportunities that meet the buying and selling needs of the modern garden retail industry.  

Further details about Glee 2014, including a wealth of additional brands confirming their support for the show, will be announced soon.  For exhibiting information, call 0207 728 4623, and to find out the latest show news log onto www.gleebirmingham.com.

Five Chihuahua bitches stolen from an exhibitor’s house in Doncaster and worth tens of thousands of pounds, have been found safe 130 miles away. They included a Crufts champion.

They had been abandoned in a cage in countryside near Culcheth, Cheshire, and are said to be traumatised but otherwise well.

Jogger Mark McCombe, 29, heard them barking near a farm track, picked up the cage and took them home. He then rang police.

Burglars smashed their way into Lucy Hilton’s home in Doncaster on Thursday of last week while she and her husband were out and snatched the dogs from their ‘playpen’ in the living room. Among them was 14-month-old fawn Longcoat Valenchino Made Of Candy who won best puppy in breed at Crufts this year. The others were three cream Longcoats aged four, five and two and a year-old tricolour Smooth.

Three male dogs were in the kitchen because three of the bitches were in season, and Mrs Hilton believes the thieves were unaware they were there.

Neighbours said they heard the dogs barking at about 1pm but assumed it was because Mrs Hilton had returned home.

The dogs were found on Monday following a nationwide alert about the theft. Mrs Hilton spoke of her relief saying: "We haven’t slept since the burglary; we feared we'd never see them again. Our kids cried non-stop.

"We’re never going to leave them alone again.”

Humberside Police said investigations would continue.

The manager of a family-run pet supplies business is appealing for information following the theft in broad daylight a 40kg sign advertising his Folkestone business...

Lee Curd, manager of Best Buddies Pet Supplies, said the sign advertising his Martello Drive shop was stolen from Dymchurch Road.

He has appealed on Facebook and spoken to traders in the area but to no avail.

Mr Curd said: "I couldn't believe it, I thought somebody had moved it as a joke.

"They must have done it in broad daylight and they would've had to hold up the traffic to do it, it's terrible. It's sad that someone has to steal a road sign out of the road, it's not fun.

"The sign brings in trade that otherwise would not come. There are a lot of people that come down for the day or a few days and fish and they wouldn't know we exist if it weren't for the sign – it makes a big difference.

"I've had no information at all. Our CCTV is all inside and I spoke to the local shop owners and they said they hadn't seen the incident and their CCTV didn't point on to the spot.

"Someone must've seen it. It was there in the morning and gone when we left just after 6pm. The thing weighs 40kg, it would've taken a couple of guys to lift it off – they're mad. They must've done it with a car or a van."

The business, which also has a branch in Cheriton, has since replaced the sign, which prompted staff to order another due to be bought.

"It cost me £140 for two signs and £40 for the chains to attach them to lamp posts plus the writing. So it's in excess of £200. It's an expense I didn't really want," Mr Curd said.

"I've heard a lot of people have had signs stolen, someone in Romney told me they had, but I don't know why they would've taken them. Maybe it's competition, maybe it's kids although we don't have a problem around here with kids.

"Maybe it's because they're worth quite a bit of money. They're not cheap – about £70 and that's before you get everything written on it."

Animal-loving council tenants in Leeds are to be limited to keeping no more than two pets.

Housing bosses say the new tougher rules are fairer and more consistent, and have been drawn up after consultation with animal welfare groups.

Tenants will also need to seek written permission to keep a pet, and may only keep a maximum of two cats or dogs in one property. Tougher enforcement action will be taken on those breaching the new regulations.

However concerns have been expressed about what will happen to the extra pets of those people who already have more than two animals.

Councillor Barry Anderson, Leeds city council’s shadow spokesman for housing, said: “Broadly speaking, I welcome this new pet policy.

“It is encouraging to see that the council will refuse permission for a tenant to keep a pet if the property is considered unsuitable. Such properties will include those with a shared communal entrance including high rise accommodation and low rise flats. The policy also clearly sets out the enforcement action that the council will take if tenants breach the new rules.

“I do have some concerns about what will happen to tenants and their pets if they currently have more than the permissible number of pets in a property.”

Councillor Peter Gruen, the council’s executive member for neighbourhoods, planning and support services, said: “These changes have been specifically drawn up in response to concerns raised by tenants and in conjunction with animal welfare groups.

“Limiting the number of pets permitted in our properties will enable us to ensure a consistent policy across the city which is fair to tenants both with and without animals and allows everyone to live in an environment in which they feel happy, safe and comfortable.

“Any new policy approved by the council would automatically apply to new tenants. However, we know how important pets can be and in cases where existing tenants already have more than two pets, we would adopt a common sense approach and deal with each individual on a case-by-case basis.”

For the first time, the Kennel Club Accredited Instructors Scheme’s (KCAI) annual education event ‘Try Out, Take In and Teach’ will be open to all canine professionals and those considering a career with dogs.

The event, held in association with PRO PLAN, takes place on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th May 2014 at the Kennel Club Building, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire and offers seminars and comprehensive workshops covering everything from dog behaviour and training, competitive activities, nutrition and  anatomy.

Previously only open to KCAI members, this year’s event gives the opportunity for all canine professionals to get advice and tips from experts in their chosen field.

Topics at the education weekend will include ‘Frustration Leading to Anger’ and ‘Aggression’ will be explored by some of the KCAI Scheme’s most well received speakers, Jane Hanshaw KCAI (CDA Beh^A) and Jackie Drakeford KCAI (CD^A WLSA^A) respectively, and for those who enjoy more practical displays: sessions such as clicker work with Angela White Fellow KCAI (CD^A Ob^A Beh^A GCDS^A), competitive and non-competitive agility with Steve Croxford KCAI (Ag^S) and Working Gundog Tests with Philippa Williams KCAI (CD^A WG^A FT^A) are all on offer. 

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: “KCAI and PRO PLAN are working in partnership to deliver the highest standards of education, guidance and support to all those who work with dogs. KCAI’s third education event looks set to be a  unique and varied programme of learning over the course of the weekend and for the very first year will be open to all canine professionals.”

Day tickets are available for £65.00 for KCAI members and £80 for non-members and weekend tickets are available for £120 for KCAI members and £155 for non- members.

If you are interested in attending please contact the KCAI Team on 0844 463 3980 ext 321 or alternatively visit http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/training/kcai/kcai-events/ for more information on the full list of seminars available.

Pictured: Practical training at last year's event.

Otis, a five-year-old Akita from Stockport, is making waves in the dog agility world after he broke an agility club record, previously held by a Border Collie.

Otis and his owner, Billy Walsh, started attending High Peak Dog Training Society (High Peak DTS) in 2011 after they developed the agility bug and it wasn’t long until Billy and Otis broke the club record by achieving 307 points in competitions.

Billy explains: “After we had achieved all we could in obedience, we needed a new goal and I enquired about agility training. After three previous failed attempts at gaining a place at another club, I decided to enquire at High Peak DTS where we were successful.”

The pair began to enter competitions and started to get clear rounds, and it wasn't long before they were winning everything they entered. They are now in grade 3 of agility and although Otis isn’t the only Akita competing in the activity, the pair are a well-known sight at shows.

Neil O’Connor from High Peak DTS commented: “About 3 years ago a chap asked to join our agility club. We are a club that prides ourselves on welcoming any dog that enjoys agility, so we said yes. Billy arrived at club on his first training day with Otis, an Akita. I must admit a few of us thought he was being a little ambitious but Otis showed a real interest in agility from the start. Billy and Otis became regular faces at training - hardly ever missing a week. It wasn’t long before we saw his potential.”

This is just the beginning for Otis and although the pair plan to emigrate to New Zealand later this year, they aim to continue competing in agility.

Neil continued: “Otis really is a credit to his breed, a breed that can often have a negative image. People seem to all stop and watch when they both run - after all there are hardly any Akitas that do agility and none that do it quite like Otis. We have tried to find other Akitas that do agility but can only find a few that compete in Australia and America. They are nowhere near the standard of Otis.”

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: “Agility is for dogs of all types, sizes and experience and it’s fantastic to see Otis doing so well in the sport. Otis and Billy’s success highlights how any breed can compete with hard work and dedication. We wish them all the best for the future.”

For more information on agility visit www.thekennelclub.org.uk/agility

Curious pets could be at risk if they hunt down their owners’ haul of chocolate eggs and treats this Easter, warns the British Veterinary Association (BVA).  

Chocolate can be highly poisonous to pets, with dogs most commonly affected. Although awareness about chocolate poisoning is increasing amongst pet owners vets are still seeing urgent cases because chocolate treats have not been secured out of reach.

Chocolate is toxic because it contains theobromine – a naturally occurring chemical found in cocoa beans which dogs, for example, excrete much less effectively than humans. The level of toxicity is dependent on the type of chocolate, with dark chocolate and cocoa powder being the most toxic, and the size of the dog, with smaller dogs and puppies being most at risk.

BVA President Robin Hargreaves said: “Every year vets treat thousands of cases of chocolate poisoning in pets and sadly the poisoning is sometimes fatal. The majority of the cases we see are accidental chocolate consumption. Dogs have a keen sense of smell and can easily hunt down hidden Easter eggs.

“Owners should try to store chocolates well out of reach of their animals to avoid an emergency trip to the vet at Easter.

“If you suspect that your dog has ingested chocolate don’t delay in contacting your vet. The quicker we can offer advice and treatment the better. Vets will want to know how much chocolate your dog has eaten and what type.

“Make sure you know how to contact your vet out of hours and over the bank holiday weekend when opening hours may be different.”

The effects of chocolate poisoning in dogs usually appear within 12 hours and can last up to three days. First signs can include excessive thirst, vomiting, diarrhoea and restlessness. These symptoms can then develop into hyperactivity, tremors, abnormal heart rate, hyperthermia and rapid breathing. In severe cases dogs show fits and heartbeat irregularities and some cases can result in coma or death.  

The Animal Welfare Foundation provides information on a range of household items that may be poisonous to pet animals in its leaflet ‘Pets and Poisons’ which can be downloaded from http://www.bva-awf.org.uk/pet-care-advice/pets-and-poisons.

 A four foot long snake has been stolen from a Newport pet shop Gwent Police said yesterday (Wednesday).

The non-venomous rat snake was stolen along with three African grey parrots (two males and one female) and up to 20 chain dog leads.

The shop on Wharf Road in Newport was broken into some time between 5pm yesterday and 9am today.

If anyone has information they are asked to call Gwent Police on 101 quoting log 102 16/4/14

Due to the unrivalled success of our e-mail newsletter publishing operation we need now need to expand our sales team.

We’re looking for the ideal person to take on the sales of our unique mix of banners, buttons, Webitorials and E-mail Advertorial special issues for Pet Trade Xtra, GTN Xtra and GTN Food Xtra.

If you have telephone and face-to-face sales experience, have a good understanding of digital media and an interest in either the pet, gardening or catering markets then joining our team could be the ideal opportunity for you.

Our company is renowned for producing excellent b2b editorially-led products that fully engage with our audiences and provide real results for our advertisers and commercial partners.

To find out more about this great opportunity, please send an e-mail to Trevor Pfeiffer making your case to be interviewed, together with your current CV.  E-mail trevor.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk.