HOWND - a new natural pet care brand for happy canines - is set to launch a ‘Cruelty Free’ range of emergency dog wipes. 

Created by pet loving duo Mark Hirschel and Jo Amit, the Hertfordshire based company will release Yup You Stink! Emergency Dog Wipes - which are perfect for cleaning mucky dogs on the go - from the second week of July.

Alcohol and paraben free, each pack of emergency wipes contains five jumbo size (30cm x 20cm) PH-balanced wipes. Designed to be gentle on a dog’s skin and coat, each wipe is infused with orange (insect-repelling), coriander (antioxidant) and bergamot (deodorising) essential oils, aloe vera juice, and gentle odour control agents. The result is a durable wipe, that effectively cleans off fox poo, cow dung, mud, urine, slobber and anything else that’s grimey or smelly. 

Yup You Stink! Emergency Dog Wipes will be available to the trade from the second week in July in 10 pack cases priced at £16. Retailers and groomers will get an introductory 10% discount for each case (SRP) until August 31 using WIPES10 at check out. The RRP per pack of wipes is £2.95. 

“Over the past year, we’ve been developing an emergency wipe that dog owners will love to use. Our intention was to create a set of wipes that are light, compact, yet won’t tear in the dog owner’s hands. Most importantly, they had to be kind to the dog’s skin and coat, while being capable of providing a gentle and effective clean while on the go,” explains Jo Amit, co-founder of HOWND.

“One wipe should suffice for most stinky dogs out there, but those which are especially grimey might benefit from a bath and spritz with Yup You Stink! Conditioning Shampoo! and Yup You Stink! Body Mist later in the day.”

Excitement for the emergency wipes has been building since pre-production, as HOWND is only one of six global pet brands to receive the Leaping Bunny stamp of approval from Cruelty Free International. This is the only international guarantee against animal testing.

In order to become certified by the Cruelty Free International Leaping Bunny programme, companies are required to open their supply chain to monitoring and meet external audit requirements.

For further information about HOWND’s trade prices and Yup You Stink! Emergency Wipes, please register your details here, or call a member of the team on +44 (0)20 3004 5255. 

Pets at Home has responded to Watchdog accusations of poor animal welfare in its stores, stating: "The claims in the programme were misleading and in many cases simply wrong."

CEO Nick Wood said: “We have been at the forefront of pet welfare for nearly 25 years and our number one value is ‘Pets before Profit’.  That’s what drives us.

"Nearly all of us are pet owners. We all love pets, and we are constantly challenging ourselves to find new ways to get better. 

“We have looked in detail at every single claim put to us by Watchdog, which are misleading and in many cases simply wrong.

“But viewers don’t have to take my word for it. Our stores are open every day and our colleagues will be happy to explain the care we provide for our pets.  

"You don’t need to go undercover; it’s in full view for our customers to see because we have nothing to hide and plenty to be proud of.” 

It's the second time in less than three years that Pets at Home has featured on Watchdog .

Pets at Home has produce a video in which it answers the claims made in the Watchdog programme on BBC1 last week, and has posted it on its website. You can view the video at http://petsfirst.petsathome.com/

The Pet Industry Federation (PIF) has issued a timely reminder to all pet retailers about staff training, in the wake of the BBC’s Watchdog programme broadcast last week, which featured an undercover investigation into Pets at Home.

Nigel Baker, chief executive of PIF, said: ‘Although Pets at Home provided a sound defence to the claims made against them in last week’s programme, and have long had robust processes and procedures in place to ensure animal welfare is their top priority, the episode reminds us that all pet shops are open to scrutiny by the public, possibly more so following the BBC programme.

"Husbandry and welfare practices in pet shops are, quite rightly, very visible, but also means that retailers can be more open to criticism if something doesn’t appear to come up to scratch. Not all pet shops are in the position to rebut claims in the way Pets at Home did!’

Pet shop managers have a duty to ensure that their staff are properly trained on a range of animal health and husbandry issues to care for the animals they stock and to advise pet owners with accurate and up-to-date information.

PIF has developed 12 online ‘Pet Handling & Welfare’ courses for pet retailers to help them comply with these requirements, which cover biological data, identifying breeds, handling and determining gender as well as correct care information. The online courses offer people working in pet retail and with companion animals a quick and convenient way to refresh their knowledge and take on new information.

The courses are: hamsters, degus, birds, cats, dogs, chinchillas, rats, mice, rabbits, chipmunks, guinea pigs and ferrets. Reptile courses are currently being developed and will be available online soon.

Courses are priced at £40 each and £32 each for PIF members. Bulk discounts are available if retailers wish to purchase a number of courses for their staff.

For further details contact Alexandra Baker on 01234 273933; alexandra.baker@petfederation.co.uk. To purchase the courses, simply visit the ‘Online Pet Retail Courses’ menu item from PIF’s homepage www.petfederation.co.uk.

Blackburn-based Pets Choice, supplier of the successful Webbox pet food range, has posted an impressive set of financial figures since a management buyout of the company in 2013, and has now revealed ambitious plans for growing the business.

CEO Tony Raeburn spoke to Pet Trade Xtra about his vision for the company…

How have you achieved  success so quickly

Webbox is one of the fastest growing brands in the UK and the increase in sales, combined with an investment programme and efficiency drive in operations has enabled the company to forge ahead. We have ambitious plans for growing the business and this involves substantial investment with the need to be a profitable manufacturer so that we can continue to reinvest.

Are you happy with the progress made since you led a management buyout of the company?

Following the buyout we have made fundamental changes to the business. In the year since the buyout we have built a new head office and distribution centre, have invested substantially in operations and new equipment and we have strengthened all areas in terms of personnel including marketing, sales, technical and operations.

How much of the increase in pre-tax profits was down to rising sales or greater efficiencies?

The increase in profitability has been a combination of many factors, including rising sales, new product launches, greater efficiencies and investment in equipment. Mostly, however, it has been the result of the sheer hard work that the dedicated team at Pets Choice have put in!

How many people does the company now employ?

We employ around 160 people across three sites. Two of these sites are manufacturing; one for extruded products and the other for moist food and treats. The third site is our new 140,000ft² warehouse and head office (Brentwood House). We moved into this building in December 2014 and it has allowed us to expand our team. Departments that are based here include buying, marketing, technical, finance and sales. Our quality assurance team is based within the manufacturing plants to ensure they are present for all stages of the production process.

Why do you think Webbox pet food has become so popular?

It’s quite simple really; our Webbox products offer good quality at great value. We offer a complete range of pet food incorporating dry and wet dog and cat food and treats and we try to listen to what the customer buying habits are telling us. We like to think that we are proactive in the market seeking opportunities for new products.

How are the other brands in your portfolio faring?

With the variety of brands in Pets Choice’s portfolio: Webbox, Goodwyns, Davies and Oceanic, there really is something for everyone. Goodwyns is premium range that looks at the dog’s health holistically and contains natural anti-oxidants. Davies has been around for 134 years and is a trusted brand that now includes ‘grain free’ varieties. Oceanic is a super-premium brand of fish-rich foods for adult dogs and puppies; all of which are manufactured in the UK with only the very best ingredients The addition of Vitakraft to our portfolio has enabled us to expand our range of products both within the dog and cat sector and into small animal now too.

We are supporting and marketing the Goodwyns brand very heavily this year so now is a good time for retailers to be stocking. A big marketing push (involving social media and advertising campaigns and exhibiting at consumer dog shows) has been instigated and people are starting to become really receptive towards the brand so demand is sure to follow. For retailers, we have new stockist deals that are not to be missed.

What exciting plans have you got for the future?

Pets Choice have a strategy to invest heavily in the current portfolio and we have made the decision to attend both trade and consumer shows to increase brand awareness.  In addition, spend on advertising has been substantially increased and NPD launches will be taking place regularly to keep on top of market trends. With the new head office this has enabled us to expand the team, bringing social media and PR in-house. Further investments are taking place in manufacturing to increase capacities and there are exciting plans ahead!

Will you be unveiling new products at PATS Telford?

Watch this space!

A visitor to Studley Garden Centre in Warwickshire was upset when asked to leave the store's cafe by the manager because he was accompanied by a pet chicken.

In a letter to the centre owners Hillview Garden Centres, the customer said: "My pet chicken  travels everywhere with us and is always carried. As you state you are 'dog friendly', I believed the bantam-sized bird would not present any problems.

"We purchased cake and coffee and sat in an area where I understand barking dogs are a regular feature. Clearly someone had complained and we were approached by your manager who informed us that chickens were not allowed and we would have to leave. 

"He was unable to differentiate between a policy that favoured dogs but not chickens, and we were denied the opportunity to finish our drinks and food."

Boyd Douglas-Davies, CEO of Hillview Garden Centres, wrote back to the customer, stating: "The situation that you presented to us is, in my 30 years experience, a first! I can honestly say that we have never considered what we would do if someone walked in to the garden centre with a chicken so you did catch our team a little on the back foot.

"Both I and the store manager are sorry that he appeared a little flustered and abrupt when he came to see you in the cafe. I can only assume that it was the unique situation that unsettled him.

"As you correctly point out it clearly states that we are a dog friendly business. I can’t see how this would automatically extend to all other creatures. Maybe there’s a gap in the market for a cafe that welcomes all (called “Noahs” or “The Ark” maybe) but for the time being that isn’t us and we will remain a dog only establishment.

"Please let me know the value of the goods unconsumed and I will arrange a refund."

It seems that every pet food company out there is telling you that their product is the healthiest thing that you can feed to a pet.

Obviously they can’t all be right. Everyone has different views on nutrition, many of which can be backed up by something that sounds close to science (but often isn’t).

So how can you know what is healthy? Pooch & Mutt suggests that you look at the people behind the food, and they've put their theory into practice.

Over the past four weeks Pooch & Mutt’s founder Guy Blaskey has completed two Olympic Distance Triathlons, one Obstacle Race and finished with the inaugural Ironman 70.3 in Staffordshire (a 1.25 mile swim, 56 mile bike ride and half marathon). Other members of the Pooch & Mutt team competed with him on some of the events.

Guy Blaskey says: “It is important that we don’t just talk the talk when it comes to health, we walk the walk and more. The basic principles of health are the same, whether we are talking about dogs or humans. There are no overweight wild animals. Dog obesity is a problem caused by humans. I attend shows where I speak about both human and pet health and nutrition. I see other pet food companies out there selling their ‘healthy’ food and both trade and the public speaking a lot of nonsense about nutrition. The disconnect between what people say and how they act astounds me. I have been questioned about the omega 3 source in one of our products by someone eating a McDonalds.”

Guy argues that to create a healthy pet food, the person behind that food should have a good understanding of health and nutrition, and anyone with that understanding should be healthy themselves. This makes sense; we wouldn’t accept advice about our own health and nutrition from someone who didn’t look fit and healthy, so why would we accept this for our pets?

The CANF (Condition Appropriate Nutrient Feeding) behind the Pooch & Mutt food range is partially built on Guy’s nutritional knowledge developed training for these kind of events. As Guy explains, “Although we often look at food as an indulgence, or part of a habit, we should look at food as fuel for our bodies. Our food provides the nutrients and energy that we need to perform what we want to perform. To a certain degree most people understand that they will need to consume different fuel (food) if they are running 30-50 miles a week training for a marathon than if they are not. This is not just the amount of fuel/food, but also the type. The same is true of our dogs, different life conditions have different fuel/food/nutrient requirements, and that it the basis of the CANF approach”.

Obviously not all food for either humans or pets is healthy, or is even designed to be healthy. Research recently released by Direct Line shows that a single Bonio treat has the equivalent calorific load as a Chunky Kit Kat. Kit Kats are not marketed as healthy. Some pet food and treats are supposed to be an indulgence. These are all fine in moderation. However, with people becoming increasingly aware of the health problems caused by bad diets, we can do a lot worse than look to people living an actively healthy life to advise on the healthy choice for our pets.

The phrase ‘working like a dog’ is often associated with long-hours at the office. But that phrase could adopt a new meaning tomorrow (Friday), as the nation’s four-legged friends take centre stage in this year’s Bring Your Dog To Work Day.

Businesses from across the UK will welcome their dog loving employees into the workplace, along with their loyal (and well-behaved!) four-legged companions.

This year, the event is raising money for All Dogs Matter, a charity that rehomes hundreds of rescues every year in London and Norfolk. Just a small donation of £5 could be used to microchip a dog, while £10 is enough to buy new bedding.

“The countdown is now on and Bring Your Dog To Work Day is fast approaching! This event has really captured the imagination of the public across the UK. As a result, all kinds of businesses - such as news media websites, hair salons, car dealers, pet product manufacturers, national electricity providers, a private jet company, as well as entertainment and marketing companies - have donated, and encouraged their employees to participate in the Bring Your Dog to Work Day competition to raise further funds for the charity,” explains Jo Amit, co-founder of dog grooming product company HOWND, the company behind the initiative.   

“There’s still time for both businesses and individuals to donate and get involved too, even if they already take a dog to work. Businesses can donate online (minimum of £50) to take part and become a ‘pawsome’ sponsor, while individuals can gift £5 online and upload a ‘pooch selfie’, and be entered automatically into a prize draw worth over £700 with a runner’s up prize worth £636.”

Most of this year’s Bring Your Dog to Work Day business sponsors have come together to encourage individual donations. 

HOWND, Dogs & Horses, PetSafe, Long Paws, Natural Instinct, MedicAnimal, Leucillin, LoveSniffys, Vet’s Kitchen, Billy & Margot, Oscar & Hooch, Lily’s Kitchen, Company of Animals and Dependable Pets have all donated products towards a mega-prize, which has a total retail value of over £700. Fish4Dogs has given a year’s supply of pet food as a runner’s up prize. The two prizes will be awarded to the best individual entries, (and a minimum donation of £5) on this year’s ‘Dog With A Job Hall of Fame’, which consists of ‘pooch selfies’, along with a brief description of the dog’s work duties! 

ITV This Morning presenters Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford were amongst thousands of enthusiastic participants back in 2014. 

Last week, singer Leona Lewis was interviewed - along with Jo Amit from HOWND - on BBC Radio London’s The Barking Hour with Jo Good and Anna Webb, where they discussed animal welfare and the benefits of bringing dogs to the workplace. 

Comedian and animal rights campaigner Ricky Gervais expressed support for this year’s Bring Your Dog To Work Day by posting the event to his 8.27 million Twitter followers. The award-winning sitcom writer also mentioned the event to his three million Facebook fans, raising hopes that thousands more will donate and participate.

For further information - or if you would like to headline sponsor Bring Your Dog To Work Day 2016 - visit Bring Your Dog To Work Day’s official website, or email hello@bringyourdogtoworkday.co.uk

A Manchester shopping centre has lifted its long-standing dog ban as award-winning Betty & Butch gets set to open a new dog store in the indoor market.

General manager Tony Martin said Afflecks Palace is finally lifting its ban after he noticed more shoppers browsing with their pooches in the city centre.

“For me, obviously, being based in the city centre and working in the city centre it is something I am noticing, more and more people, out with their dogs.

“At first it was a bit like seeing a dog in a playground - it does seem bizarre.

“People come into Afflecks with their guide dogs, got us asking why don’t we allow all dogs?

“As a dog owner myself I appreciate more places becoming dog friendly.”

Betty & Butch will be the first dedicated dog shop in the city centre for owners to purchase food and accessories.

Co-owner Angel Moore said he was delighted to be able to bring his 10 month old pooch Nuala to see the new business.

“It is brilliant, I am really happy about it, hopefully there will be lots of dogs.”

Vet charity PDSA has revealed some of the UK’s most obese animals as they weigh in for its annual pet slimming competition, Pet Fit Club.

This year’s 17 pets battling the bulge are carrying a total of 32 stone in excess weight, and include:

Hooch, an 11-year-old Rottweiler from Hull, who tips the scales at nearly 13 stone (82kg), is more than seven stone overweight making him the biggest ever pet to take part in Pet Fit Club. His owner Leslie McCormack rescued Hooch several years ago, and has already managed to help him shed some weight but he still has a long way to go.

Leslie said: “Hooch was mistreated before so he’s a bit wary of strangers. He used to eat five tins of dog food a day but I’ve cut him down to one. He’s already lost so much weight but I want him to be healthy and happy and to live as long as he can.”

Meanwhile, Sue Blackhurst and her family from Liverpool, have been forced to put child locks on their fridge in a desperate bid to prevent their Springer Spaniel Poppy from stealing their supper. At 4st 12lbs (30.8kg), Poppy is around 30% overweight.

Sue said: “Poppy is a lovely dog but she’s very mischievous. She steals my rollers and just loves to play but also fights our birds for their bread and tries to open the fridge to steal food - so we’ve put child locks on.”

Greedy Guy the cat, from Leicester, is one of the fattest ever moggies to take part in Pet Fit Club. Guy, 8, lives with his owner Angie Barcock on a main road so is kept indoors. But his habit of pinching his companions’ dinners together with his dislike for exercise have caused him to balloon to more than double the size he should be. At 1st 10lbs (10.8kg), Guy is 116% overweight.

Cocker Spaniel Harley is carrying so much flab that he’s even been mistaken for a panda by foreign tourists visiting Edinburgh. Owner Lisa Mitchell said she has been stopped by Chinese sightseers in Prince’s Street who often ask to take photos of her six-year-old podgy pooch due to the uncanny resemblance. Harley weighs 4st 4lbs (27kg) and is nearly 60% overweight.

Rescue cat Boycus is one of several cats in the household; all the others are a healthy weight but Boycus has ballooned in the last couple of years and is morbidly obese. The greedy puss eats everything in sight, finishing off the other cats’ dinners and even pinching the dog’s food. His owner, Sam, has tried everything to stop him stealing food, even putting the other cats’ grub inside cat carriers that are too small for Boycus to get into. But he always finds a way to break in! Boycus weighs 1st 8lb but should be around 11lb, making him 108% overweight.

Roly-poly Pug Rolo was adopted by his new owners at the end of 2014. Previously he had been over-fed, not walked properly and was morbidly obese. Describing him as ‘very food motivated’ Rolo’s owner,Lydia Ernstsons, said: “He has a habit of chasing people carrying shopping bags of food and has even been known to follow complete strangers into their home! His favourite trick is to pull at the tablecloth until any food on the table falls to the floor, and just last weekend he jumped into the pond after food that was thrown for the ducks!” Rolo is 2st 1lb but should weigh approximately 1st 6lb making him 48% overweight.

The diet food for the Pet Fit Club finalists is kindly sponsored by Hill's and Burgess. The winning cat and dog win a year's free food from Hill's, and the winning rabbit or small pet wins a year's free Burgess Excel food. The overall Pet Fit Club champ's owner will win a pet-friendly break, kindly sponsored by Cottages4You.

Sadly these pets are not alone when it comes to carrying too many extra pounds. The PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report revealed that four-out-of-five veterinary professionals* have seen an increase in pet obesity cases in the last two years.

Obesity is the number one concern among vets when it comes to dogs but, worryingly, nearly half of pet owners surveyed are not aware it’s a major issue**. This is a huge concern, says PDSA, given that 80% of vets and vet nurses believe there will be more overweight pets than healthy weight pets in five years time.

Obesity can contribute to pets developing deadly conditions such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes, as well as debilitating conditions including arthritis.

Nicola Martin, PDSA Head of Pet Health and Welfare, said: “Just as human waistlines are expanding, sadly our pets are facing a similar fate too.

“When considering how much to feed their pets, many owners still rely on ‘common sense’ or past experience to make a decision, rather than looking at the weight and body shape of their pet and using packet guidelines.

“With millions of pets receiving unhealthy treats such as crisps, cake and cheese as part of their daily diet, and millions more not getting enough exercise, it is clear that the serious issue of obesity in our pet nation is only going to get worse.

“However, it’s important to remember that it’s never too late to make a positive change. All the pets taking part in Pet Fit Club this year are taking the first step towards a longer, healthier life. Anyone concerned about their pets’ weight should speak to their veterinary practice who can offer the right advice and support.”

PDSA Pet Fit Club was launched in 2005 and has already helped 63 dogs, 26 cats and 6 rabbits lose a total of 60 stone 6lb. This weight loss is the equivalent of 384 bags of sugar, more than 6,700 sausages, 761 tins of dog food or over 500 blocks of lard.

For more information about the pet finalists, please visit www.petfitclub.org.uk

A mother and son have been jailed for scamming £411,388 from up to 3,000 visitors to their online pet stores.

Mechelle and Ian Chatfield kept customers' credit card details and used them to take unauthorised payments.

They ran two websites – Paws Pets Supermarket, and Shop For Your Pets – from their five-bedroom rented farmhouse in Routh, near Beverley.

Both pleaded guilty earlier this month to a single charge of running a fraudulent business between January 4, 2010 and April 1, 2012.

At Hull Crown Court prosecutor David Dixon explained how the scam had worked.

He said: "In the normal way, items were selected by customers, their credit card details were provided and items would normally arrive. That was the lawful side of the business.

"However, they (Mechelle and Ian Chatfield) would then repeatedly use the cards to get more and more from their customers.

"As an example, one customer bought two dog coats at a total cost of £42.49. They arrived. However, following a letter from trading standards he checked his statements and realised that six extra payments had been taken. In fact, the dog coats cost him £297."

During the course of a detailed, two-year investigation by East Riding trading standards, a test purchase was made.

Mr Dixon said: "Even that test purchase credit card was subjected to repeated use. It was used a further five times."

Altogether there were 35,128 attempts to use customers' cards fraudulently, he said. Some attempts failed, either because cards had reached their limit or customers had reported fraudulent activity.

Mr Dixon said if all the fraudulent attempts had succeeded, the Chatfields would have netted £576,288.

Up to £30,000 of the money was blown on lavish holidays, including a Royal Caribbean International cruise, and a trip to Florida. But despite investigations, no assets could be found and none of the money has been recovered.

Judge Mark Bury sentenced each of the Chatfields to four-and-a-half years in prison.

A CCTV camera put in place to combat drug-taking anti-social behaviour outside a pet shop in Cambridge called Grumpy's has been hailed a success.

Cambridge City Council placed the camera next to the store after calls from councillors following reports the area was being plagued by troublemakers.

Discarded empty canisters and balloons used to take laughing gas regularly piled up on the forecourt of shops at the junction of Green End Road and Scotland Road in East Chesterton.

The gas – which is nitrous oxide – is an increasingly popular 'party drug' that is legal to buy providingit's not for human consumption

Grumpy's pet store co-owner Julie Brown routinely swept away the rubbish outside her shop before she starts her day. Now a CCTV camera has helped to drive away the trouble.

Richard Page, co-owner of Grumpy's, said: "We had a lot of those gas canisters and litter being strewn around the forecourt outside the shop and complaints from residents about noise, loud parties and anti-social behaviour.

"But the camera has been up about a month and has made a huge difference. Sadly I expect the trouble will just move elsewhere but for us it has helped a lot."

A report by the city's policing and safer neighbourhoods team highlighted the problems ouside the shops.

The report outlined actions taken since the North Area Committee in December. This could be added to the priorities.

Cllr Peter Sarris, who represents East Chesterton asked for the mobile CCTV camera to be deployed around Grumpy's as "anti-social behaviour was on the increase in the area" and was told this would be requested as a priority.

Nitrous oxide is commonly used to numb pain during medical procedures, as well as in engines to increase their power output. However, an estimated 500,000 people across the UK are thought to have used laughing gas, which has been linked to a number of deaths.

The drug can cause oxygen deprivation, resulting in fainting and even heart attacks, while prolonged exposure can cause anaemia, bone marrow suppression and poisoning of the central nervous system.

A spokesman from Cambridgeshire Constabulary previously said: "We have been made aware of some antisocial behaviour linked to the use of nitrous oxide. We have increased patrols in the area in question and would encourage people to report any further incidents."

Retford-based pet food manufacturer Grove Pet Foods has welcomed two new appointments to its team. Annabell Dennis has joined as a Sales Administrator and Camilla Helley has taken up the position of Field Sales Executive.

With a degree in Agricultural Animal Health and Welfare and several years of experience in sales, Annabell is a great asset to the company and will be working on the Alpha and Vitalin brands.

Camilla’s new appointment is a promotion from her previous admin role with Grove Pet Foods. Camilla’s dog, Fred, joins her on the road and has fast become a firm favourite with customers. Fred is a big fan of Alpha High Performance.

Commenting on her appointment, Camilla said: “Fred and I are really enjoying meeting customers and working with the rest of the sales team. I am passionate about pet health and nutrition, so feel proud to be representing such high quality brands.”

Sales Manager, Sean Cox, welcomed the new appointments, saying: “We are delighted to have Annabell and Camilla on the Grove Pet Foods team and look forward to seeing the impact they will have on our business as we continue to grow.”

“Our expanded team enables us to deliver on exciting plans, for the immediate and long-term success of the business.” 

For further information on Alpha or Vitalin visit www.alphafeeds.com or www.vitalinpetfood.co.uk

This year sees Ancol extending its range of dogs training and awareness products to help encourage obedience and safe behaviour.

One of their new products is their Hi-vis Warning Bandana which can be easily attached to a dog’s collar or lead while they’re out walking.  Its bright colour and warning message alerts others that a dog needs some space - this may be because they have health issues, be nervous or shy, elderly or in training.

Another new product is their Multi-Clicker and Whistle which combines two of the most popular training tools in one. The clicker is a fun way to reward and train a dog, whilst the whistle allows dogs to be controlled at a distance.

Sarah Lane, Sales Director at Ancol comments: “We’re always listening to our customers and following their feedback, we’ve introduced new products to our dog training range.

“We’ve also redesigned our packaging and included simple instructions on how to use each product, plus further information and training videos can be accessed on our website. We know that dogs respond to different training methods so by extending our range, we can offer customers more of an informed choice.” 

Also included in the range is their Happy at Heal harness, which has been modified following customer feedback, plus their training leads, halter, line and dumbbell.

To find out more, including tips on how to use these products visit www.ancol.co.uk . Alternatively you can contact Ancol on 01922 402428, email sales@ancol.co.uk or talk to your local sales representative. 

Pets Corner has come up with a list of ways to help owners cope with the loss of a pet, reassuring them that instore staff are always on hand to give support.

Lucy Ross, Head of Training at Pets Corner, says: “When a pet dies, it’s important to acknowledge the relationship you had with your pet and what their loss means to you. 

"Grieving for our pets allows us to heal and move on. There are many ways that you can honour you pet’s memory which can provide some comfort:”

Create a memory book – making a special book of photos, funny anecdotes and maybe scrapbooking a favourite collar or name badge will give you something you can remember them by visually.

Make a living memory – planting a tree or shrub in your garden creates a living memorial, especially if the chosen place holds special meaning: perhaps your dog always buried their bones there, or your cat enjoyed the early morning sun in that spot. There are many pet gravestones on the market that would be lovely placed in a special spot.

Help others in need – donating to an animal charity on behalf of your pet can bring comfort. This could be in the form of a monetary donation or items such as food, bedding, toys or even volunteering some of your own time will bring a positive feeling.

The staff at Pets Corner are always on hand to give advice and help.

VIsitors to Webbs Garden Centre in Wychbold, Worcestershire, are being encouraged to celebrate their pets this Saturday as part of Love Your Pet Day...

Animal experts will be on hand on Saturday, June 27 to talk to people about any pet problems they might have and give advice on how to provide the best care for their pets from furry friends to fish.

There will also be an opportunity to see some more exotic animals up close with an animal roadshow featuring lurchers, greyhounds and miniature ponies.

People are being invited to bring along their dogs for a fun dog show, where pets can compete in classes including agility, most handsome dog, prettiest bitch, best puppy, waggiest tail, fancy dress, best trick, best junior handler, best rescue, best in show and judges’ favourite.

A local vet will be on hand to microchip dogs, and visitors will also be able to bring their rabbits and guinea pigs for a well check and free claw clipping.

Webbs chairman Ed Webb said: “We are a nation of pet lovers and we want to celebrate that with our Love Your Pet Day.

"It’s a great chance for people to talk to our experts about pets, reptiles and fish and perhaps get up close to some creatures they haven’t met before.

"The dog show will be great fun and we are looking to see pets of all shapes and sizes taking part.”

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) Welsh Branch has elected Dr Neil Paton as its new President, to act as the principal representative of BVA Welsh Branch in relation to veterinary matters.

Dr Paton, elected by the Welsh Branch at their AGM on 16 May 2015, said: “I am very pleased to have been elected as President by my colleagues and I’m extremely grateful to Rob Davies, our BVA Welsh Branch President for the last two years, for everything he has achieved.

“I have been a member of BVA since graduation and have been involved in the Welsh Branch council since its inception, when I arrived in Wales. I am also the new Chair of the South Wales practitioner group, and since 2010 I’ve also enjoyed being a lecturer in farm animal health and production for the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) based in Wales.

“We are proud of the progress we have made in Wales, and I look forward to working with Rob and Sarah Carr, our new Junior Vice President, as well as the BVA team, to achieve as much as we can for the veterinary profession and animal welfare in Wales. We want to build on the good relationships we have with the Welsh Government to ensure this country maintains the highest standards of welfare for all animals.”

Congratulating Dr Paton on his election, BVA President John Blackwell added: “I am delighted to welcome Neil as our new Welsh Branch President and know that Rob Davies, our BVA Welsh Branch President for the last two years, is passing the baton to very safe hands.

“Our branches are vital in safeguarding animal welfare and representing the views of veterinary surgeons in the devolved nations, where animal health and welfare are the responsibility of the individual nation.

“The Welsh Branchbring their invaluable expertise to discussions about relevant animal, agricultural and veterinary policy in Wales, as well as playing a hugely important role when it comes to influencing politicians.

“We are keen to work with governments in both Cardiff and Westminster to allow our members to continue their good work wherever they are.”

Mr Blackwell also mentioned BVA and BVA Welsh Branch support for the recently announced Rural Development Plan and Strategic Framework for Welsh Agriculture, as well as the introduction of compulsory microchipping of dogs in Wales in Spring 2016 and vets’ work in raising awareness with clients. He also referred to the continued commitment of BVA and BVA Welsh Branch to end non-stun slaughter in the UK.

In the last year, BVA and BVA Welsh Branch have worked productively together regarding the new Veterinary Science Centre and innovations in disease surveillance in Wales. More successes and progress in Wales has been made on a number of key issues including the Welsh Government introducing the Control of Horses Act introduced in 2014, to improve horse welfare and fly-grazing. This is now being followed in England by a similar Act that came into force in May.  

Officials in western Canada are urging people not to flush their pet goldfish down the toilet because they're surviving and multiplying at an alarming rate.

Environmental officers in the province of Alberta say they've found goldfish the size of dinner plates in the region's storm ponds. Forty of the fish were pulled from a single pond in the north of the province earlier this year, the CBC News website reports.

"That's really scary because it means they're reproducing in the wild, they are getting quite large and they are surviving the winters that far north," says Kate Wilson from Alberta's environment department.

Goldfish are considered an invasive species in Canada, and the government is worried they could upset fragile local ecosystems.

As a result, it has launched a campaign warning people of the trouble flushed pets can cause - even if they have already gone to the big goldfish pond in the sky.

"Even if the fish are dead, they could have diseases or parasites that could be introduced, especially if the water treatment system is not top notch," said Kate. 

The campaign will also target pet stores and markets, as well as groups that engage in "mercy releases", where captive animals are set free in the belief it will create spiritual "good karma", CBC News says.

Linda Rutherford had the winner of both Championship Obedience Bitch and Championship Obedience Dog – for the 3^rd year running – at the Lisburn & District Ch. Obedience & Irish Dog of the Year annual dog extravaganza!

CSJ sponsored the Ch. Obedience Classes and the CSJ Irish Agility and Jumping Dog of the Year events and were delighted with the news, kindly passed on by Michael McCartney of Glencraig Training.

Linda’s Ch. Obedience Bitch Winner – OB CH Colliewood Confidential won under judge Ann Shearer.  Denim will be 10 years young this year but still going strong – she and Linda are a formidable team and in the past have been the winners of Crufts Obedience Championships. 

Linda’s Ch. Obedience Dog Winner was OB CH Sixela Rum’r Has It.  Rumr is a handsome black and white Border Collie and won his ticket to Crufts under judge Ellen Herries.

CSJ Irish Agility Dog of The Year judged by Toni Dawkins. 

Michael told CSJ: “Fantastic testing courses set by Toni really tested both the dog and handlers as a team.  Toni was presented with a lovely engraved crystal paperweight as a memento. Thanks to CSJ and Ceri for the sponsorship. All goodies were gladly received.”

The results were:

1st John Bowe with  Ben

2nd Catherine Porter with  YOGI

3rd Ingrid Jellie with Brooke

 CSJ Irish Jumping Dog of the Year

1st  Catherine Porter with Yogi

2nd Peter Crozier with Jack

3rd Crawford McCartney with Giggsy

There’s more at www.csjk9.com or ring 01745 710470 for info.

Pictured: Linda with her bitch Denim and dog Rumr. Picture by Simon Rodgers.