Pet recruitment specialist Lynda Ward has revealed that the pet industry is a great place for women to build a career, and claims that females now account for approximately 45% of field sales staff in the trade.

Lynda, who utilises her 30 years’ experience in the trade for dedicated recruitment and marketing solutions, says that women in the pet trade fare well compared to other industries.

“The lack of good jobs for women is controversial right now, especially within the political arena and the City, so I think we should pat ourselves on the back as an industry with equal opportunities for women and men,” said the owner of Pet Trade Solutions.

“When I first came to the pet trade there were only three women, including myself, in field sales roles and it appeared very much a closed shop in favour of male candidates. However, open-minded employers gradually saw the benefits that female sales people could bring and the momentum gathered speed. Now my estimate is that overall in the UK trade women account for approximately 45% of field sales staff. 

"At management level the numbers drop off at 20%-30% – possibly due to women not enjoying management or choosing to take a career break at some point – and at director level in the larger companies even lower at 15%-20%  – again partly due to the career break aspect. Yet interestingly, women own the highest proportion of independent SMEs supplying or allied to the trade.”

Lynda concludes by saying: “The figures show there is still a great deal of scope for career-minded or entrepreneurial women to make their mark in the industry. With so many examples of success (just take a look around) they should perhaps be more aspirational. Today’s progressive employers are not looking for men or women to join their teams...they are looking for PEOPLE to help make their company a success.”

Lynda is always happy to personally advise on any aspects of recruitment and marketing strategy and can be contacted on 07946 743784 or at lyndaward@pettradesolutions.com



There is also a growing trend of more women setting up their own business in the industry like Sarah O'Sullivan (Seahorse Atlantic) and Barbara Hanly (Soopa Pets).

Seahorse Atlantic produces a range of products called Kelp Care – 100% natural kelp feed additives formulated from different species of seaweed grown in the purest of the Atlantic Ocean. Veterinary trialled and recommended with 100% positive feedback, Kelp Care products are tailored to the nutrient requirements of individual animals.

Meanwhile, Soopa Pets has quickly become known for its 100% fruit and vegetable dog chews with flavours including papaya, sweet potato and coconut.

Sarah and Barbara are both from Ireland and they exhibited together at PATS Harrogate in September last year. The trip worked so well that they have agreed to return to PATS Sandown next month.

Kennel Club research has shown there is overwhelming support for a government ban on electric shock collars.

The Kennel Club commissioned an independent survey into the public’s opinion of these controversial dog devices. The research found that:

• 72% of the English public disapprove of the use of electric shock collars on dogs
• 79% agree that positive reinforcement training methods can address behavioural issues in dogs without the need for negative training methods
• 74% of the public would support the government introducing a ban on electric shock collars

The Kennel Club is urging the government to take action after research found that a significant majority of the general public in England are against the use of electric shock collars for dogs and would support the government in introducing a ban on these devices.

The Kennel Club is against the use of negative training methods or devices, and believes that they are both irresponsible and ineffective. There a large number of positive training tools and methods that can produce well-trained dogs with absolutely no fear, pain or potential damage to the relationship between dog and handler.

Furthermore, some of the most highly trained dogs in the world, including police dogs, armed forces dogs and assistance dogs are trained without the use of electric shock collars.

The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) published two research studies last year which demonstrated negative behavioural and physiological changes in dogs which were trained with electric shock collars.

The research also showed that even when electric shock collars were used on dogs by professional trainers following an industry standard, there were still long term negative welfare effects.  Despite this, Westminster has still to take action and follow in Wales’ footsteps in banning electric shock collars, and the Kennel Club hopes that the findings of its new research will let the government know that the public would be behind them on a ban.

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary said: “The results are absolutely clear. A large majority of the public are against the use of electric shock collars and would support the government in banning these cruel devices.

“The government’s current proposal and response to its own funded research is to work on creating guidance with the electric shock collar manufacturers regarding how to best use these tools without compromising the dog’s welfare. This does not reflect what the public wants and the Kennel Club and other major welfare organisations and parliamentarians believe this would fail in protecting dog welfare, as the Defra research itself has shown.

“It is time for the government to stop delaying what the evidence has highlighted is needed, and what the public has clearly said it wants – a ban on the use of electric shock collars.”

Electric shock collars are already outlawed in a number of countries worldwide, including Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Slovenia, and in most states in Australia.

The survey follows the introduction of Matthew Offord MP’s Ten Minute Rule Bill last month calling for a ban on the sale and use of electric shock collars, which will have its Second Reading in the House of Commons tomorrow (Friday).

More information on the Kennel Club’s campaign to ban electric shock collars can be found at www.thekennelclub.org.uk/banshockcollars.

Ceva Animal Health, manufacturer of Adaptil, is urging animal health professionals and dog owners to update their knowledge on canine law by viewing the exclusive two-part training video entitled New Doglaw Developments on www.doglaw.tv.

Presented by Trevor Cooper, a leading solicitor specialising in canine law, the informative video features the proposal to extend section 3 of the Dangerous Dogs Act to cover all places such as private land, the proposal to introduce compulsory microchipping for dogs, likely replacement of Dog Control Orders with Public Spaces’ Protection Orders and the anticipated change of ASBOs to Injunctions to Prevent Nuisance and Annoyance.

Other videos that are available on the website include ‘Breed Specific Legislation’, ‘The Section 3 Dangerous Dogs Act 1991’, ‘The Animal Welfare Act 2006’ and ‘The Dogs Act 1871’.  In addition, the site hosts interesting videos on dog behaviour by the renowned dog trainer and behaviourist Carolyn Menteith.  The topics covered consist of ‘A Spotlight on The Staffordshire Bull Terrier’, ‘Learning Theory’, ‘Development of Dogs and Breeds’, ‘Aggression’ and ‘Puppy Playgroups’.

“It is important that both animal health professionals and dog owners are aware of the law relating to dogs, particularly any imminent changes that may affect all canines,” comments Emma Jackson, Adaptil product manager at Ceva Animal Health.  “We are therefore urging people to watch the films on the doglaw.tv website.”

To view the videos visit www.doglaw.tv

Leading wild bird care supplier, Gardman has developed specialist wild bird care brand The Ernest Charles Co to offer retailers and consumers a greater depth of choice within the category.  Dedicated to providing quality products, The Ernest Charles Co will soon offer its specialist blends in 2kg and 12.55kg sizes, in premium re-sealable packaging.

Furthermore, a range of four premium bird tables has been launched with immediate availability, allowing Gardman’s retail partners to capitalise on spring trading.

To demonstrate the brand’s commitment to design and quality each table carries a unique 15 year guarantee, is handcrafted in the UK from FSC-pine with a long lasting rot-protection treatment. Each has a slate effect roof and an embossed plaque as a marque of brand authority. Fully assembled stems and full colour packaging for the table heads provide a practical, impactful shop-floor solution for retailers as well as easy transportation for consumers. Prices range from £59.99 to £149.99.   

Marketing director Sarah Downing explained: “Our specific goal is to ensure that the brand offers an effective way to trade up customers and tempt them towards higher quality products – boosting sales and profits. 

"We spotted a gap in the market for a premium wild bird care proposition and have therefore taken great care to get every element right.  Heritage is at the heart of the brand, with its roots stemming back to 1844. 

"Our tables have been handmade and manufactured in the UK and our feeds have been selected, blended and packed locally. The quality of the packaging is as important to us as the product to ensure maximum stand out in store.” 

Gardman is now developing innovative themed POS that will express The Ernest Charles Co’s brand ethics and engage the consumer in the category. 

To complement the new bird table range, Gardman has launched a 12.55kg Robin Blend  – unique to the market and with a strong RRP of £17.99.  The ensure the tables get off to a flying start, they are also giving away a free bag of Robin Blend with selected tables ordered before the end of March.  Pallet wraps and tent cards that highlight the USPs of the new blend are available.  

The Bird Table range comprises:

• The Chatsworth Bird Table (RRP £149.99), which has a solid pine hexagonal table and can be used with a wide range of feeds including seed mixes and blends, peanuts, fat balls, suet treats and dried mealworms.  
• Wilton Bird Table (£119.99) is a solid pine square table with a slate effect roof.  It too can be used with a wide range of feeds.
• Osborne Bird Table (£89.99) is a solid pine table with slate effect roof and an integrated nut feeder.  
• Warwick Bird Table (£59.99) is a solid pine table with a slate effect roof.  

The Ernest Charles Co has almost 170 years of unrivalled expertise in sourcing, cleaning and blending seeds. 

Retailers wishing to order the new tables should contact their local agent on 01406 372237.  

Pedigree Wholesale has been announced as the exclusive launch partner for Motorola’s Scout 1 Monitor. The partnership will allow Motorola to launch the monitor with a key distributor, targeting both independent and small multiple pet product retailers.

“We are really excited about our partnership with Pedigree. Not only are they a key distributor of pet products but their own enthusiasm towards the monitor makes this a very exciting time for us,” said Joel Lucy, Motorola Business Manager.

The Scout 1 Wi-Fi Monitor is an innovative yet affordable video pet monitoring camera that allows users to view their pets through a dedicated mobile app, whether it is on a smartphone, tablet or computer. More importantly, it can be accessed from anywhere in the world.

Approved by the RSPCA, Scout 1 will provide responsible pet owners the additional security and peace of mind that their beloved pet is safe at home. Using the two-way audio system, owners will be able to hear and communicate with their pet, record videos and capture amazing photos – all in real time footage.

“The Scout 1 Monitor truly is an innovative device and something we know that all pet owners would benefit from. It helps encourage responsible pet ownership whilst also providing amazing footage of our beloved pets! We see the Scout 1 Monitor becoming a staple tool for all owners moving forward and have already received extensive interest from retailers,” said Vicki Guttridge, Pedigree Buyer.

Motorola have put together a FREE point of sale pack available for a limited time only. There is also a promotional video available for use online (terms and conditions apply).

Contact your local Pedigree Relationship Manager for more details.

The Animology brand from Group55 has grown dramatically over the past few years, achieving great sales in both the UK and international markets. 

"We value our UK customers, many of whom have been tremendously supportive, but the insurance for our business is our export market," said Stephen.

"Exports give us cash flow and allow us to develop and invest in our business. Hand-in-hand with this is our membership of PetQuip and their support when we exhibit at international trade shows as part of the British Pavilions.

"I recommend that anyone starting out should use their association membership to the full. I talked to the team at PetQuip until their ears bled."

So what advice would Stephen give to those pet companies seeking success in the export market? Here's his five-step approach:

1. Take advice – it saved Animology from making costly mistakes.  They listened to experienced members of the PetQuip team and UKTI. They also chatted to fellow members in the PQ association, many of whom were happy to pass on their experiences – networking can be invaluable.

2. Research – they tapped into the PQ database resources, used the internet, attended Meet the Buyer days at PQ to find out what buyers were looking for and signed up for the Passport to Export scheme. In particular they researched different markets.  For example, some markets may want different terms and do they need a marketing contribution.  Another point to consider, do you need to register your products, how long does it take and how much will it cost?  Make sure you know what is needed.

3. Keep it simple – if a product needs a lot of information in English to sell it in the UK, what chance have you got overseas? Keep your messages short and rely on branding, nothing then gets lost in translation.

4. Set up distribution first – the vetting process is crucial. Ask a prospective distributor for a company profile and a marketing plan on what they are going to do with the brand and the products. You then have a good understanding of who their customer base is, where they are going to sell and how they are going to do it. Set up a minimum order pro rata to what you think the market is worth, for example Malta is not going to be the same as distribution in the USA.  Don’t give credit away and decide your delivery mechanism. All Animology deliveries are ex-works, a distributor has to arrange collection, shipping agents can be recommended but not organised.

5. Packaging – make sure it satisfies global requirements. Animology products have seven different languages on the back, making them ready to sell anywhere in the world (the products are over-stickered in Russia and China, a common practice).

For more information on Animology visit www.animology.co.uk and on PetQuip www.petquip.com

Danish Design Pet Products will be launching the new and stylish Newton range of beds and duvets at PATS Sandown in March.

Danish Design is a family owned, UK manufacturer with exclusive in-house design by Susanne Mortensen, providing a lifestyle range of pet bedding and products designed to perform.

Manufactured in the heart of Yorkshire for in excess of 30 years, Danish Design has gained an enviable reputation as a market leader, delivering superb quality pet products throughout the UK and Europe.

Visit Danish Design at PATS Sandown on stand  L1 to see the company's wide range of products available, from beds, duvets and mattresses to coats and toys.

Danish Design can offer style, comfort and functionality for any situation and requirement of the pet and owner alike.

Info: 0113 3919 828, www.danishdesign.co.uk

London-based Butch & Bess has announced that leading distributor KRUUSE UK has added its range of natural grooming essential oil infused conditioning shampoos; daily grooming sprays, pet bed and car de-odourisers and natural eau de dog perfumes into its pet consumer portfolio. 

KRUUSE’s Pet Account Manager, Mark Derby, explains: “We’re very excited to have added Butch & Bess into our pet consumer product portfolio. On the very first occasion we saw the range, we could see the unique quality and market potential of this natural brand, matching our standards as a supplier of premium pet and veterinary products.”

The Butch & Bess consumer range is made ethically in the UK to the highest cosmetic standards, with no testing on animals. Created with a clear conscience it contains no nasty chemicals or additives, and the range of conditioning shampoos, daily spritz and de-tanglers are available in six signatory scents: Stinker Belle, Bess Petite, Butch Leather, The Perfect Calm, Maybe Bebé and Bed of Roses.

Butch & Bess Co-Founder Jo Amit adds: “ We’re thrilled that KRUUSE can see the quality in our aromatherapeutic essential oil blends, which combine natural ingredients including aloe juice, oatmeal extract, argan oil, and hydrolysed wheat protein. Despite the quality of our ingredients, we’ve not compromised on price. Our aim is that Butch & Bess is an affordable luxury for all pet owners.”

Mark Hirschel, Co-Founder sums up: “ We’re confident that KRUUSE will help push our consumer range to market and optimize the success we’ve received in a short time frame. The Butch & Bess team will continue to innovate and introduce new products to market, including our very exciting Super Groomer Collection that’s set to debut at PATS.”

KRUUSE will be showcasing Butch & Bess on their stand at Crufts (NEC, March 6-9) on stand: 12 in Hall 1. Butch & Bess will debut its full range and new Super Groomer Collection at PATS, Sandown Park, on stand: K2.

For more information  check out: http://www.kruuse.com/en.aspx and http://www.butchandbess.com/

A new range of flavoured dog chew toys are to be launched into the UK pet market this spring. The product range is manufactured by Ruff Dawg in the USA and will be marketed under the Ruff Bone and Gummy Bone brand names.

The Ruff Bones are manufactured from polyurethane of which, 30% is recycled material, sourced in the USA. They are flavoured using natural human food grade additives moulded into the material at the time of manufacture.

Ruff Bones are puncture resistant, non-staining and non-toxic if swallowed. All materials are US FCA approved. The polyurethane material offers an alternative to nylon toys and provides a hard durable dog toy but without the sharp edges which occur naturally as a result of dogs chewing some nylon based toys.

The products have been manufactured for over 15 years and have been sold through the North American, Japanese and Australian markets.

Ruff Bones, the flavoured chew toys dogs love, are available in 4 tasty flavours; Roast Turkey, Bacon, Grilled Steak and Mint. They are offered in 3 sizes: Small 13cm, Medium 17.5cm and Large 22cm.

Gummy Bones are a softer alternative to the Ruff Bones. Manufactured from a softer grade material they are ideal for dogs with softer mouths, puppies and older dogs. They are available in 2 tasty flavours, roast chicken and mint, and in 3 sizes, Small 13cm, Medium 17.5cm and Large 22cm.

All products are supplied on header cards for hanging display. The Ruff Bones are also available in a mixed flavour horizontal ‘clip-strip’ point of sale display. Manufactured in a range of vibrant colours the toys will enlighten the retail environment and appeal to the consumer.

Ruff Bone and Gummy bone products are good quality, flavoured chew toys offering retailers a profitable and competitive alternative to Nylon toys. With retail prices starting at £3.99, Ruff Dawg offer tough chew toys at a tasty price.

Ruff Bones and Gummy bones are to be distributed in the UK by 3P Enterprise Ltd. For more details contact 01594 810990 or email sales@3penterprise.co.uk. 3P will be offering the Ruff Dawg range as part of an in store, POS stand package discount offer, which will be unveiled at PATs Sandown, Stand K15.

An 82-year-old man has appeared in court accused of murdering a mother and daughter at a puppy breeding farm in Farnham, Surrey.

The bodies of Christine Lee, 66, and her daughter Lucy, 40, were found at Keepers Cottage Stud on Sunday morning. Three German Shepherds and one Labrador were also found shot dead. All had gunshot wounds, and a long-barrelled weapon was recovered from the scene.

John Lowe, from Tilford, appeared at Guildford Magistrates' Court on Wednesday morning charged with two counts of murder and one possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

Wearing a navy sweatshirt and jogging bottoms, he wept during the hearing and had to be helped into his seat by one of the two security guards flanking him. He was remanded in custody.

A Bromsgrove pet shop manager has labelled the town’s parking attendants ‘unforgiving’, claiming they are driving its customers away.

Jess Rowley, from Just for Pets, Market Street, said there had been an ongoing issue with the area’s civil enforcement officers ticketing volunteers, donors and shoppers.

She claimed she had spotted wardens waiting around the corner of the shop in the hope of catching people who had pulled up on the double yellow lines, outside the store, to drop off and pick up heavy loads of feed and litter.

Mrs Rowley added that she was particularly angered by the latest ticket which was given to a representative from the Cramar Cat Sanctuary charity in Hopwood who had only pulled up for a couple of minutes whilst staff helped upload several bin liners full of cat food and litter.

Last September in a bid to preventing its customers being ticketed, the store offered to refund its customers a 40p car parking fee for those spending more than £10.

Now Mrs Rowley has been forced to take it one step futher and the shop has also introduced a carry to car service, along with the 40p parking ticket refund.

She said: “I feel a lot of the time we are being targeted.

“It is a money-making scheme and they have a zero tolerance policy.

“Not once have any of the traffic wardens popped their heads into our store to give the customer a warning about parking on double yellows, which in most cases would be enough to put people off doing it again.

“I feel Bromsgrove District Council won’t be happy until consumers no longer have any reason to visit the town centre.

“They need to do more to encourage shoppers not put them off.”

A Bromsgrove District Council spokesperson said: “We cannot speak about individual cases but can reassure residents and visitors to the district that our civil enforcement officers monitor compliance with traffic regulations in a fair and even-handed way.”

A controversial Surrey pet shop, which has been deemed unsuitable for animals by a vet and where the manager was fined for selling a sick puppy, is no longer allowed to sell livestock.

The Leading Pet Company (LPC) in Sutton High Street, formerly known as Petsville International, has been the subject of numerous complaints about the way it treated animals and other incidents in the shop and even featured in an episode of the BBC's Rogue Traders.

The Sutton Guardian has reported that the pet shop is not allowed to sell any animals after it did not apply for the its licence to be renewed - although Sutton Council said it would not have granted a licence even if it had applied after the manager was fined for selling a sick dog and a vet condemned conditions in the shop.

The council's licensing officers have to judge whether licences can be handed out and had warned LPC it was not likely to get its licence as owner Ben Boys was facing a court case over selling a sick dog - something he was fined £500 for in January - and a vets report concluded conditions in the shop were not up to standard.

"It was a number of factors, not just one thing, that the report picked up on. It comes down to whether the premises was a habitable place."

Signs have been put up in the shop saying that no animals are for sale and that it is due to be refurbished. However, if it is refurbished and reapplies for a licence, a panel of councillors will have to decide whether it should be granted.

A freedom of information request revealed Sutton Council received 53 complaints about the shop between 2008 and July last year. They included people buying sick dogs, complaints about the "disgusting" conditions in the shop and there being a dead rabbit in the store.

In 2010 an in investigation had to be launched after a toddler was bitten in the face by a non-venomous corn snake in the shop.

Mr Winch added: "It's always been the focus of a lot of complaints because it's the only pet shop in the borough that sold dogs.

"However the complaints don't always reflect the reality - we even got complaints from people who hadn't been in there.

"It hasn't always been the best run establishment but it had followed legal requirements."

Vets at the British Veterinary Association (BVA) are warning pet owners in flood-stricken areas to be aware of the new dangers posed by receding flood waters.

The water, which has flooded homes and land across the UK, is finally beginning to subside but vets are warning that the danger to pets and livestock remains. In areas where water has been contaminated by sewage, chemicals and other waste, farmers and pet owners will need to remain vigilant about potential health threats to their animals.

BVA President and vet Robin Hargreaves (left) said: “The terrible flooding has devastated many areas and it will be a huge relief for residents to see the waters subside. Unfortunately, the challenges for animal owners remain, as contaminated water continues to pose a threat to pets and livestock.

“Pet owners should try to keep their animals from drinking contaminated water, as effluent and bacteria can be very harmful. It is also worth checking with your vet that you are up-to-date with all vaccinations. This will give your pet the best possible protection against diseases, such as leptospirosis, which can be spread through stagnant water.

“Farmers need to consider the risks posed by contamination both to drinking water and feed for their livestock. Both silage and forage may have been contaminated by chemicals or waste and should not be fed to animals if they show signs of spoilage or mould. If alternative water or feed is not available it may be best to consider selling animals and reinvesting when conditions improve.”

Animal owners in affected areas should speak to their vet if they have concerns and check with their environmental health team, who should be in a position to advise on local levels of contamination.

For more information and advice from vets on animal welfare issues visit the BVA website at www.bva.co.uk/news

Lily’s Kitchen has added a new variety to its range of food for dogs - An English Garden Party.

The new recipe is the latest in its special edition seasonal range, and includes freshly prepared free-run chicken, summery strawberries and the allotment’s choice of English garden vegetables. It is grain-free and boasts an impressive 65% fresh meat content. This, combined with fruits, vegetables and a host of healthy botanical herbs, makes for a delicious digestible food.

Henrietta Morrison, founder of Lily’s Kitchen says: “We’re delighted to add An English Garden Party to our range of organic, natural and wild foods for pets. 

"We believe it will prove to be a delicious spring and summertime hit with dogs and their owners, combining great quality ingredients with an inspiring theme to blow away those winter cobwebs.”

Suitable for puppies and dogs from four months, An English Garden Party is available now in over 700 independent stockists and vets. It comes in 400g tins at £2.49 RSP.

For more information visit www.lilyskitchen.co.uk

Interpet has added Puppy Twin Packs to its Nylabone range of chews. The packs, specially designed for teething puppies with that insatiable urge to chew, contain a combination of Nylabone’s Ring and Bone Dura Chews.

Three new Puppy Twin Packs offer excellent value for money for both retailer and consumer. Made from inert soft thermoplastic polymer, these unique chews satisfy the chewing instinct of teething puppies and help to encourage healthy and non-destructive chewing habits that will last into adulthood.

Three more great value twin packs are also being released to help fulfil the urge to chew in adult and mature dogs. These double packs each include one basic and one textured chew to offer a contrast in textures which helps maintain the dog’s attention. Both types of chew also help to remove tartar and plaque from the dog’s teeth, meaning the benefits of chewing Nylabone extend beyond just entertainment.

Harry Scott, Interpet Brand Manager, explains: “Nylabone is one of Interpet’s most popular brands. Our chews are enjoyed by dogs all across the country due to the variety, versatility and reliability offered by the extensive range, and we expect these latest additions to be snapped up by repeat and new customers alike.

"The puppy chews are a great way of ensuring your puppy forms healthy chewing habits early on, and when their adult teeth have come through there are plenty of adult chews to choose from to suit all types of dog.”

In addition to the new ranges of twin packs are the recently released and already popular Dura Chew Peanut Butter products. These allergen-free peanut butter flavoured chews provide an irresistibly delicious flavour that dogs will love to chew regularly.

Like all adult Nylabone chews, these toys also help to maintain the dog’s dental health by combatting the build-up of tartar and plaque. Available individually in three different sizes, the Peanut Butter chews are also now available in great value twin packs alongside the ever popular Chicken flavour chews, to offer further variety and excitement for your dog.

For more information please visit: http://interpetcatalogue.com/

The nation’s favourite dog event, Crufts, is to be televised on Channel 4 across three nights for the first time ever this year. Both the Saturday and Sunday of the show, plus an hour and a half of Friday’s coverage, will broadcast on the channel, with Thursday and the rest of Friday’s show airing on More4.

With Clare Balding at the helm, Channel 4 and More4 will broadcast the main action from Crufts 2014 at the following times:

Thursday, March 6: More4, 18.30-21.00

Friday, March 7: More4, 18.30-19.30; Channel 4, 19.30-21.00

Saturday, March 8 & Sunday, March 9: Channel 4, 19.00-21.00

Clare Balding will host daily highlights of the world's biggest dog event live from the NEC in Birmingham, whilst Liza Tarbuck will look after presenting duties for Thursday’s programme and will join Clare for Friday’s More4 show.  The exciting climax of Crufts, Best in Show, will be judged at 20.30 on Sunday and will be shown live on Channel 4.

There will be extensive coverage on More4 and Channel 4 of the events in the main arena, including the agility and flyball competitions that are so popular with dog lovers, and the judging of the Group finalists.

Coverage will feature discussion on the serious topics of how to buy a puppy and initiatives to ensure healthy breeding. Vet, Nick Blayney, will return to give his views on dog health, along with other experts and dog owners. Reporter Sonali Shah will explore the stories around the show and Kate Beavan will be joining the team as health and welfare reporter.

The Scruffts competition will also return and coverage will include features on all the Scruffts finalists as they prepare for the event. Plus, there is the much loved Friends for Life competition, which will see viewers vote via phone for one of five hero dog finalists and owner which they feel should be crowned 2014 Friends for Life.

Caroline Kisko, Secretary of the Kennel Club, which organises Crufts, says:  “Millions of people will be able to watch the grand finale of the world’s greatest dog event on Channel 4’s Sunday night programme.  Crufts is one of the most exciting events in any dog lover’s calendar and the past few years of More4’s coverage, and last year’s Channel 4 coverage of Best in Show, really captured the special relationship between humans and our dogs, and showcased this to millions of dog-loving viewers.

“The coverage on More4 and Channel 4 means that Crufts will continue to be essential viewing, whether people are looking for information on choosing, caring for and enjoying life with their dog or simply want to watch dogs of all shapes and sizes showing off a range of special talents.”

David Sayer, Commissioning and Development Editor for Channel 4, said: “This year Channel 4 will be showing more coverage of Crufts than ever before, reflecting both its popularity and the passions of its loyal dog-loving audience. Coverage on More4 and Channel 4 will explore a diverse range of issues – from dog welfare and breeding to training and buying as well as reporting on the wins from the show ring and agility arenas. Scruffts, the competition for crossbreed dogs, will also receive lots of coverage this year.”

Sunday night’s programme on Channel 4 will include highlights from throughout the day and the final Arena programme, which will include live coverage of the moving dog heroes competition, Friends for Life, an exciting heelwork to music display and the live Best in Show competition.

Crufts coverage for More4 and Channel 4 will be produced by Sunset + Vine.  Visit www.crufts.org.uk for more information on this year's event.

Competitors heading to Crufts 2014 are taking full advantage of subsidised eye testing, being offered by the Kennel Club and British Veterinary Association (BVA) at the event, with over half of the available appointments being snapped up in just one day.

Fifty appointments have been made available at the reduced rate of £20 (a 43% discount per test) on each day of Crufts, which will be held at the NEC, Birmingham, on March 6-9.

The eye testing scheme is run jointly by the BVA, Kennel Club (KC) and International Sheep Dog Society (ISDS) as part of the BVA/KC Canine Health Schemes and examinations are carried out by BVA appointed eye panellists. Panellists look for evidence of hereditary eye disease in dogs that may be used for breeding, and the scheme covers eleven hereditary eye conditions in over fifty breeds of dog.

The BVA/KC Canine Health Schemes team will also be at Crufts in the ‘Breeding for the Future’ zone in Hall 3 to promote the other health screening schemes offered: schemes for hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and Chiari malformation/Syringomyelia (CM/SM).

Commenting, Robin Hargreaves, President of the BVA and member of the Kennel Club Dog Health Group, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the fantastic response from breeders booking subsidised eye testing at Crufts.

“Health screening for common conditions has become an essential part of being a responsible breeder. Not only are these breeders helping to assure the health of their own puppies, but also contributing to our overall understanding of inherited disease and improving the health of the breed as a whole.

“We would encourage anyone heading to Crufts to come and visit the Breeding for the Future zone to find out more about healthy, happy dogs.”

To take advantage of the subsidised eye tests appointments must be booked in advance via the BVA/KC Canine Health Schemes team at BVA on 020 7908 6380. Appointments will be booked on a first come first served basis and payment must be made at the time of booking.

Fifteen-year-old Mikey Perryman, from Bristol, is getting ready to be centre stage at the world’s greatest dog show Crufts, next month.

Mikey, is being awarded the Cinnamon Trust Young Volunteer of the Year Award. The teenager has spent two years dedicating his spare time after school and at weekends to walking Max, a Border Terrier owned by 90 year old Phyllis Nelson.

Thanks to Mikey’s help, Phyllis has been able to keep her dog, as Mikey has given Max the exercise that sometimes Phyllis may not have been able to provide.

Speaking about why she decided to nominate Mikey for the award, Phyllis said: “Mikey loves animals so much and by walking Max he has helped me out so much. Even on a wet day when Max will not go out on a walk he will still come round to play ball games and hide and seek in the house. He is a lovely lad, I am glad that he has won the award, he thoroughly deserves it.”

Mikey will receive the prestigious Young Volunteer of the Year trophy at Crufts on Saturday 8^th March at 11.30am in the Young Kennel Club ring.

Mrs Averil Jarvis, Founder and Chief Executive of the Cinnamon Trust, said “Mikey is devoted to walking Max. His level of reliability and commitment is amazing. He is very conscientious of Max’s exercise routine.

“Max absolutely hates walking in the rain but that never stops Mikey from finding other ways to exercise him. He will find imaginative ways of keeping Max fit, which I think is remarkable for a teenage boy. What Mikey does is absolutely vital for Phyllis, as she wouldn’t have been able to maintain the amount of walking that Max needs. For that reason alone he is a well worthy winner”

In conjunction with the Young Kennel Club, the Cinnamon Trust scheme encourages young people who love dogs to help frail, older people who also love dogs but are unable to fully care for their canine companion themselves. It’s a win-win-win situation - the dog wins as they get a fun walk and stay healthy, the owner wins as they get peace of mind with a happy dog, and the young volunteer wins as they make new friends and gain a great sense of pride.

Pedigree Wholesale is holding its Pet & Aquatic Trade Show on Wednesday, June 11, at Sixways Stadium in Worcester, and will include more than 70 trade stands representing market leading brands in the industry.

Sixways Stadium is a multi-purpose venue which is located within striking distance of Junction 6 of the M5, making it a great, easy access, central location with ample free parking onsite.

There will be a New Product Showcase featuring the very latest innovations from suppliers. As well as lots of great offers there will be a Competition Extravaganza with over 50 fabulous prizes to be won including iPads, Kindles, John Lewis Vouchers, Champagne, as well as a star prize of a fabulous luxury holiday for two. A complementary buffet lunch is provided for all visitors to the show.

If you would like to visit, simply register your interest prior to the show at www.petproducts.co.uk. The show is open to all pet retailers, you don’t need to be a Pedigree Wholesale customer to attend.

The organisers of the International Symposium in Animal Musculoskeletal Practice (ISAMP) 2014 ahave announced that the first three day conference will be held between 28-30th November at the University of Warwick.

This one-of-a-kind event brings together experts from over the world to create three full days of informative lectures, sharing their expertise as well as the very latest research and techniques available in animal health.

“We're thrilled to be able to bring an event of this calibre to the UK,” says Dr. Gail Williams, Veterinary Physiotherapist and organiser of ISAMP 2014.

“The event will be formally opened by Peter Jinman, President of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, and we have Dr Hilary Clayton and Dr Barbara Bockstahler as our keynote speakers. Each day's programme is packed with information delivered by some of the leading names in the industry, and we've also included lunch and refreshments too, to really add to the experience. It's aimed at professionals, such as vets, vet nurses, veterinary physios, students and animal therapists, but it's the kind of event that dedicated owners could learn a lot from too.”

In addition to the speakers mentioned above, Professor John Hutchinson and Dr. Sarah Channon from the Royal Veterinary College, Russell Guire from Centaur Biomechanics, Helen Morrell from Surrey Vet Physio and farrier Ben Benson will also be attending, to bring different elements to the day.

“The programme includes so much, from the latest research on movement to gait analysis for equines, rehabilitation of the canine amputee to biomechanics of the canine gait. People are able to come for one day, two days or the full conference, and we've been able to negotiate great rates on accommodation too. Attendees can even bring their partners who can explore Warwick, Stratford on Avon and the surrounding towns while the delegates enjoy the conference.”

Prices start from £195 for a one day pass and a whole conference package (including three day pass, accommodation for two nights and a ticket to the Saturday Banquet) costs £600 or £500 for Association for the Scientific Study of Veterinary and Animal Physiotherapy (ASSVAP) members. For more information, see www.isamp.org.

The number of pedigree dog breeds recognised in the UK is set to rise to 215 when the Kennel Club recognises the Hungarian Pumi and the Griffon Fauve de Bretagne, from 1^st April 2014.

They are two of just five new breeds to have been recognised in the past five years. Most recently the Kennel Club announced the recognition of the Picardy Sheepdog, also from 1^st April 2014, having recognised the Turkish Kangal Dog as a separate breed and also the Portuguese Pointer in 2013. Prior to that, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog was the last dog breed to be recognised, back in October 2008.

The Griffon Fauve de Bretagne will be classified in the Hound group and the Hungarian Pumi will be added to the Pastoral group. They do not currently have breed standards so cannot yet be shown at breed shows in the UK.

In other changes announced by the Kennel Club, the Beauceron will be transferred from the Import Register to the Breed Register and re-classified from the Working group to the Pastoral group from 1^st July 2014. The Kooikerhondje was re-classified from the Gundog Group to the Utility Group on 1^st January 2014.

The continual rise in foreign breeds comes as some of our oldest native breeds continue to decline. When the first ever Kennel Club stud book was produced in 1874, just 43 breeds were listed, including many of those that are now considered to be vulnerable, such as the Dandie Dinmont Terrier, Clumber Spaniel, Otterhound and Skye Terrier.

This year, there will be three new breeds competing in their own classes at Crufts for the very first time: the Eurasier, the Catalan Sheepdog and the Turkish Kangal Dog.

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: “We look forward to recognising three new breeds in April and are lucky to have such a diverse range of breeds in this country, so that all potential dog owners can find a companion that is just right for them.

“The process of being recognised as a pedigree dog breed by the Kennel Club takes several generations of dogs, but once we recognise a breed it means that we know that it has a reliable lineage that will give people a dog with predictable characteristics, in terms of temperament and exercise and grooming needs. This helps dogs to find loving homes with the right owners.

“Whilst we now have many wonderful breeds in this country unfortunately, a number of our most historic British breeds are no longer in fashion and face disappearing from our streets, because they have been forgotten and we hope that events such as Crufts will really help people see the wide range of breeds that exist.”