In This Issue
Bespoke pet furniture firm seeks retail outlets
Exhibitor stands at PATS Harrogate ‘sold out’
Profitable Lincolnshire pet store is closing down
The Pet Show at Stoneleigh hailed as a great success
Pets At Home surgery and superstore plan for Cornwall
New Pets at Home store for Burgess Hill
New pet shop licensing guidance welcomed by OATA
Vitamins and supplements to get the Animology treatment
Natures Menu increases its force of delivery vans
Final chance to enter new industry awards
Smell from Nestlé Purina factory upsets residents
Marriage proposal involving pet dog becomes internet sensation
Expert panel for breeder education seminars
Albion Meat Products launches working dog range
Cash stolen from Derbyshire pet shop
American pet product illuminates the UK market
Fresh call to ban cruel electric shock devices
Winning team offer nutrition advice
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Bespoke pet furniture firm seeks retail outlets


Slumber and Sloan, a new company making high quality bespoke pet furniture, is on the search for retail outlets to stock its products...



Slumber and Sloan, a new company making high quality bespoke pet furniture, is on the search for retail outlets to stock its products.

"We are looking for small to medium sized reputable retail outlets," said Tiffany Harper (below) from Slumber and Sloan.

"We do not expect them to make large orders in advance and are happy to come to a mutual agreement where stores can have, let's say, a couple of pieces of furniture and sell from fabric swatches, to order. This way there is little expense expected from those who would consider stocking our range of pet furniture."

Slumber and Sloan is a vibrant new company consisting of three friends who have combined their skills to offer unique pet furniture.

All of the furniture on the company's website is designed and crafted in house at a small workshop in Cheshire, and all of the materials are sourced in the UK.

The luxury pet furniture is made with a solid timber frame, two types of reflex foam fillers and webbing specifically chosen to aid all-aged pets' pressure points.

The furniture is suitable for cats and dogs up to larger sizes. The company also offers a couture service, if a customer requires something totally unique to them.

"Within just two months of going live, we had several online stockists and enquiries from as far afield as Dubai," said Tiffany.

"We are not looking to take on too much too soon as we pride ourselves with a bespoke service, paying particular attention to what our customers seek for their pets.

"We are completely self-funded and we have not got ourselves into any debt. We have used social media plus my own knowledge in web design to succeed."



Tiffany's partner in the business is craftsman David Sloan (above), who has over 25 years’ experience in design and upholstery. Dave made his first four-poster bed in 2011 for a local pet hotel, and has since built a client base of pet owners from all over the world. David also covers all types of upholstery, repair and renovation. David's partner Helen also works in the business.

Tiffany is the owner of two cats and two dogs, and with her flair for interior design she created the fresh face of Slumber and Sloan.

"I am a devoted animal lover and genuinely achieve a great deal of job satisfaction," she said. "As a team we work seven days a week to deliver our services."

As well as Slumber and Sloan, Tiffany also runs two other websites for pet owners – Pawlets and London Pet Guide – which are geared towards promoting the pet industry and animal welfare.

Pet retailers interested in stocking Slumber and Sloan furniture should contact Tiffany by emailing welcome@slumberandsloan.co.uk

More information: www.slumberandsloan.co.uk www.pawlets.co.uk www.londonpetguide.co.uk

 
Exhibitor stands at PATS Harrogate ‘sold out’
Visitors to PATS Harrogate in September can expect a busy and exciting show as all exhibitor stands at the two-day event have now been sold...



Visitors to PATS Harrogate in September can expect a busy and exciting show as all exhibitor stands at the two-day event have now been sold.

Having attracted a record number of 160 exhibitors, three halls at Harrogate International Centre will be packed with stands showcasing new products. And with the ‘Sold Out’ signs being posted already, it promises to be the biggest and best PATS show ever.

Show organiser Annie Dyke said: “I’m happy to report that all our major exhibitors are again heading for Harrogate and we will be welcoming more overseas companies than ever before. They obviously regard PATS as their major platform to showcase products to UK buyers.”

Visitors can expect a warm welcome from companies like Beaphar, Sharples & Grant, Burgess Pet Care, Mars Petcare , Eurostitch, Vitakraft, Connollys Red Mills, Best Pets, Company of Animals, Trixie, Liberta, Pointer Pet Products.

And as well as meeting up with a long list of PATS regulars, visitors will be greeted by a host of new faces when the show takes place on Sunday, September 15, and Monday, September 16.

A growing number of companies are choosing to exhibit for the first time as they see PATS as the perfect opportunity to showcase their products to retailers and overseas distributors.

Pure Pet Food is a relative newcomer to the UK pet trade and will be making its first PATS appearance at Harrogate.

“After launching Pure at the start of the year we feel the timing is now perfect to showcase our naturally dehydrated products to the wider pet trade,” says Daniel Valdur Eha. “Pure has had a fantastic response from both dog owners and across the natural pet specialists who have become stockists of what we believe to be an exciting point of difference for UK retail. We hope PATS can provide a larger audience for Pure and provide the platform for an exciting end to what has been a brilliant first year.”

Meanwhile Spanish company Dixie is one of a growing number of international exhibitors choosing to use PATS as the best platform to showcase its products to the UK market. The range includes insect repellents and shampoos.

International sales manager Vicente Jáuregui explains: “We have decided to go to PATS to make contacts in both the UK and internationally. We hope to meet wholesalers, importers, retailers and laboratories, and we will have a new line of insecticide pipettes to show people.”

This year’s PATS Harrogate will be the second to be held in September with a Sunday opening day, and regular exhibitors believe the timing is perfect for the pet trade.

“The September dates complement the spring Sandown show perfectly and the Sunday-Monday exhibition days work really well,” said Paul Pugh, of Sharples & Grant.

And Colin Rodger from Bern Pet Food believes that opening PATS on a Sunday is a great idea. “For many independent retailers it is the only day they can get away to visit a show. And the September date gives us a great advantage – the opportunity to launch new products during the autumn.”

Last year’s PATS Harrogate attracted 1,813 visitors, which was an 8% increase on the 2011 show when it was held in April.

PATS-Harrogate102

The exhibition will have the same layout as in 2012, using Harrogate Main visitor entrance in Hall M.

PATS Harrogate will also be full of popular visitor features, including the New Products Showcase and Awards, a full programme of free seminars, and the Grooming Workshop. To register for your free entry to the show visit www.patshow.co.uk

Profitable Lincolnshire pet store is closing down


A profitable pet store in Stamford, Lincolnshire, is closing down within the next fortnight...



A profitable pet store in Stamford, Lincolnshire, is closing down while the owner goes travelling.

Jim Elliott has decided to shut Jim’s Pets, in North Street, Stamford, on August 4.

Twenty-four-year-old Jim said the business was profitable and he enjoyed running it, but wanted to go travelling while he could.

A sale is on until the closing date.

Dog groomer Lindsay Stewart, who runs her business from Jim’s Pets, is moving to Market Deeping on Sunday. She can be contacted on 07592 822989 or by email lindsay@shampoochdogwash.co.uk

The Pet Show at Stoneleigh hailed as a great success


More than 17,000 visitors descended on Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire at the weekend for the debut of The Pet Show...

More than 17,000 visitors descended on Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire at the weekend for the debut of The Pet Show 2013.

The Midlands-based venue was transformed into a menagerie of pet-related attractions, exhibits and performances across six animal themed zones including The Stables, Kennels, Hutch, Aquarium, Cattery and Aviary.

Organised by Cheshire-based TCG Media Ltd, attractions included performances by Britain's Got Talent Winners Ashleigh & Pudsey (above), dressage to rap music, and birds of prey displays, as well as a whole host of 'hands on' activities for both  children and adults.

Sponsors for the event included Confused.com, Burgess Pet Care, James Welbeloved, Positive Pet Care and Royal Canin.

Ian Sear, director of The Pet Show said: “We are thoroughly delighted with how our first show went. It's always difficult to gauge how a new venture may turn out but on this occasion we couldn't have asked for much more.

“We know it's early days but the feedback we've been receiving from visitors and exhibitors to date has been extremely positive.”

The Pet Show was unique, covering a 39,000 square metre location across three exhibition halls, a courtyard and outdoor grass arenas.

Commenting on the first event, Alpha Dog Behaviour director Nick Jones said: “I was pleasantly overrun with people seeking advice on both days. The public were super too and despite being exhausted I thoroughly enjoyed the experience in every way.”

Pets At Home surgery and superstore plan for Cornwall


A new veterinary surgery and pet supply warehouse could be on its way to Ponsharden in Falmouth after the plans met with no objections from Penryn Town Council...



A new veterinary surgery and pet supply warehouse could be on its way to Ponsharden in Falmouth after the plans met with no objections from Penryn Town Council.

Pets at Home want to open a new outlet in the former Speedy Hire warehouse near Lidl off of Falmouth Road, but the scheme is only progressing in stages.

Earlier this month Cornwall Council approved an application for the company’s retail signage on the site, and consent was granted for the demolition of Speedy Hire and construction of a new retail warehouse way back in December 2011.
 
But the latest request comes from Companion Care, part of the Pets at Home Group, who would offer grooming and veterinary services from a 219-square metre 'mezzanine' floor within the store.

Under the proposals, three consulting rooms would be built where general pet care advice is given and animals can receive basic preventative medicine and treatments such as worming or flea treatments.

There would also be a small theatre to enable “small scale procedures” such as spaying and X-raying, alongside pharmacy and laboratory space.

No objections have been entered to this latest application, although staff at neighbouring maritime businesses have raised concerns about the road layout and access to the site.

Earlier this month a highways officer commented on the application, but only to request “an extension of time to the normal consultation period in order that the highway and transportation implications of this proposal can be properly assessed.”

Stuart Saunders, from Rosemullion Veterinary Practice who are currently going through the planning process themselves for a new hospital to be built near Asda, welcomed the plans.

“They were always going to come down here, they are a chain, a massive chain across the country,” he said.

“All competition is healthy as long as the customer benefits.”

When pre-application advice was sought from Cornwall Council by Companion Care in November 2012, planning officer Helen Blacklock voiced “significant concerns over whether the use of this building by the Pets at Home business would be lawful in its own right.”

This was due to the fact that “planning permission was granted for a retail warehouse” and not for a “shop”.

Cornwall Council is due to make the final decision on the latest application by August 5.
New Pets at Home store for Burgess Hill
Pets at Home is investing more than £444,000 in a new store at the Mid Sussex Retail Park, Burgess Hill,  which opens on August 23.

Pets at Home is investing more than £444,000 in a new store at the Mid Sussex Retail Park, Burgess Hill,  which opens on August 23.

The move will create eight new jobs for the local area.

Store manager Simon Bailey said: “I'm delighted to be opening our new store in Burgess Hill.

“We are all passionate about pets, which is evident to everyone who visits a Pets at Home store. Every day brings new challenges and it’s never the same two days running. I enjoy interacting with customers and giving them the help and advice they need.

“Thanks to Pets at Home I am fully qualified to advise on all types of pets from rabbits, guinea pigs and chinchillas to fish and reptiles.”

 
New pet shop licensing guidance welcomed by OATA
A new guidance document for Environmental Health Officers has been published to help standardise pet shop licensing work across the country. Keith Davenport, of OATA, welcomed the move...
A new guidance document for Environmental Health Officers has been published to help standardise pet shop licensing work across the country.

The new document 'Model Conditions for Pet Vending Licensing 2013' has now been published by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health.

OATA was one of a number of organisations which worked on the guidance which is now being rolled out by the professional body.

The document seeks to help EHOs by providing standard advice when they visit pet shops each year to consider the issue or renewal of the licence the business needs to continue trading. This is the first time that one document pulls together advice in this way.  

“We know from our members that pet shop licence conditions can vary wildly across the country so we were very keen and happy to work with the CIEH and the other organisations, from the British Veterinary Association to the Dogs Trust, to produce this helpful document for EHOs,” said OATA Chief Executive Keith Davenport.

“We look forward to local authorities using the Model Conditions for Pet Licensing when they inspect pet shops at the end of the year. These conditions should help to make sure there’s a consistent standard of inspection across the country. And we’ll certainly be encouraging our members to ask EHOs if they are following the guidance.

“Certainly the guidance leaves little reason for the large variation across the country that currently happens. And if EHOs need any more information on the conditions relevant to fish they can find these on our website and we’re always delighted to help if officers want to give us a ring or drop us an email.

“And, if enough interest is shown in particular areas, we’re also happy to consider offering short information/training days for large groups of EHOs. If EHOs are interested in this then again give our office a ring and we will consider organising something if we can get enough take-up in a particular geographical area.”

Model Conditions for Pet Vending Licensing 2013 can be found at http://www.cieh.org/WorkArea/showcontent.aspx?id=47606
Vitamins and supplements to get the Animology treatment


Group55 are adding a range of vitamin and supplement products for dogs to their multi-award winning Animology product portfolio...



Group55 are adding a range of vitamin and supplement products for dogs to their multi-award winning Animology product portfolio.

The range of five products, which will be launched in August, will be in pots of 60 capsules, each containing a measured dose, which can be opened and sprinkled onto a dog’s food to aid consumption if necessary.

The new Animology supplements all have a suggested retail price of £12.49, and the range consists of:

  • Animology Coat & Body
  • Animology Digestion
  • Animology Hip Joint & Flex
  • Animology Pre-Biotic Multi-Vit +
  • Animology Senior

Until now, Animology products have been associated entirely with shampoo and grooming sprays, but the arrival of these new vitamin and supplement lines marks the brand’s first expansion into other product categories.

Sporting the same unmistakable branding and eye catching packaging style that has made Animology grooming products a household name amongst dog owners, Group55 are confident that their new products will be equally well received.

“It’s always exciting to launch new products, particularly when they are enhancing a product range that has already enjoyed so much success," said Group55’s sales manager Martin Breen.

"Our grooming products have enjoyed great acclaim, from both retailers and consumers, since they were first launched, and the feedback we receive from our customers has told us very clearly that there is a real thirst for more Animology products.

"Entering the vitamins and supplements category makes perfect sense for the Animology brand, as 'pet care excellence' is our core value. Our Animology grooming products have gained a tremendous reputation for the great results they give on a dog’s coat, and our new supplement products will deliver similarly impressive benefits.

"The reaction we have had to these products already has been fantastic, and their arrival gives retailers even more reason to stock Animology products.”

Natures Menu increases its force of delivery vans


As part of its commitment to provide more frozen delivery space for its raw ranges, Natures Menu has just taken delivery of a further four new refrigerated delivery vans to be located across the country at their depots in Norfolk, Bristol, Leeds and Cumbernauld.



As part of its commitment to provide more frozen delivery space for its raw ranges, Natures Menu has just taken delivery of a further four new refrigerated delivery vans to be located across the country at their depots in Norfolk, Bristol, Leeds and Cumbernauld.

In addition to expanding the fleet, which now all carry the new vehicle livery, the Natures Menu team are visiting stores across the UK to install freezers, point of sale and merchandising to further enforce the brand across independent pet stores.

Managing Director Craig Taylor said: “Our local delivery service to pet retailers across the country is a vital service for stores who have limited storage space and need reliable deliveries of frozen food in specialist freezer vehicles rather than in foam boxes where products easily defrost.

"The fleet will also now have a real identity and hopefully stand out on the road!’’

The company's current delivery area spans all the way from Lands End to Wick in Scotland, so wherever you are in the UK be sure to look out for them.

Natures Menu now provides complete raw meals for dogs, complete raw cat foods, raw bones and chews, traditional minced meats in a frozen format and gently steamed pouches and cans. 

 
Final chance to enter new industry awards
Pet retailers are being reminded it's their last chance to put their shops forward for a new industry awards event organised by the PetQuip trade association...
Pet retailers are being reminded it's their last chance to put their shops forward for a new industry awards event organised by the PetQuip trade association. The closing date is July 29.

The awards, sponsored by Westland and Petface, are aimed at bringing together suppliers and retailers in the UK and internationally, and will be announced at a special party night being held alongside the PATS exhibition in Harrogate in September 2013.


The categories of the awards will be:

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

Entry into the awards is free of charge and entrants can submit nominations in as many of the categories as they wish. Nominations can come direct from the entrant or be submitted by another party. The application needs to provide full contact details of the entrant and stipulate which category is being entered. Applications need to include brief information on the reason for the entry and why the particular company or person qualifies for an award.  Nominations need to be emailed to Pat Flynn, PetQuip’s trade association manager at pat@petquip.com by July 29.

The entries will be judged by an independent panel of judges during August, and the winners will be announced on September 15 at the awards and party night in the Majestic Hotel, Harrogate. Tickets will include dinner, wine, and a short professional awards ceremony followed by dancing to a live band. Email pat@petquip.com for a ticket booking form.

Commenting on the awards, Pat Flynn said: “Awards are a marvellous way of raising the awareness of a product or service and creating creditability for their future success. The pet sector is a vibrant industry with many successful operators, so recognition of these in the awards ceremony promises to be one of the highlights of the year for anyone involved”. 

Gordon Thomas, of Impact Exhibitions, the organisers of PATS, said: "It's great that PetQuip has decided to stage these new awards alongside our Harrogate exhibition. PATS Harrogate promises to be a brilliant show for the industry, a fact that can only help to enhance these awards."

Further information on these prestigious awards, details of how to enter and the booking form to secure tickets for the awards and party night are available from Pat Flynn on telephone 07778 313623 or email pat@petquip.com
Smell from Nestlé Purina factory upsets residents
Calls for action have been made over a “nauseating” stench which is being emitted from a Nestlé Purina pet food factory in Sudbury.

Calls for action have been made over a “nauseating” stench which is being emitted from a pet food factory in Sudbury.

Residents, workers and shoppers in the town have complained about being subjected to a daily dose of bad smells from Nestlé Purina Pet Care on Chilton Industrial Estate.

The stink, which has become more pungent in the hot weather, has forced some people to abandon their gardens and retreat inside.

Resident Caroline Feldman said the town should not have to endure the pong any longer.

“It is a nauseating smell and it really is terrible,” she said.

“The company really should do something to stop the smell because it puts people off going into their gardens and anywhere near the factory.”

The factory, which employs more than 200 people, is currently exploring ways to reduce the smell.

A spokeswoman said: “Nestlé Purina is committed to achieving the best possible odour control at its factory.”

 
Marriage proposal involving pet dog becomes internet sensation
A Scots nurse has become an internet sensation after footage of her boyfriend using their pet dog to propose was posted online.



A Scots nurse has become an internet sensation after footage of her boyfriend using their pet dog to propose was posted online.

Sarah Leighton, 25, was lost for words when she unwrapped the pink box tied around labrador Spud’s collar and found a diamond ring inside.

Romantic boyfriend John McCormack, 33, filmed the proposal at the couple’s house in Brisbane, Australia, on Saturday.

A friend then posted it on a website so her family in Scotland could watch it.

The stunned couple, who have been together for three years, woke up the next day to find the video had gone viral.

By last night, it had been watched more than 830,000 times on YouTube.

The clip also sparked a frenzy in the Australian media, who have dubbed it the “most Aussie proposal ever”.

In the video, John can be heard coaxing the couple’s 15-month-old dog upstairs.

He tells him: “OK, Spud, it’s your time to shine – whatever you do, don’t eat the box.”

He then asks Aberdonian Sarah, who is resting in the living room with a broken ankle, to call Spud.

When she discovers the engagement ring tucked inside the box, John asks: “So what do you reckon, do you want to get married?”

Sarah, who moved to Australia four years ago, eventually finds the words to put him out of his misery and replies: “Yes.”

John had hoped to pop the question at a rugby match or during a hot-air balloon flight but had to change his plans when Sarah broke her ankle two weeks ago.

She said: “We had no plans for the day, I was wearing hideous clothes, no make-up and my hair wasn’t done … but I think the proposal was perfect.”

Watch the video here 

Expert panel for breeder education seminars
A new programme of seminars will provide dog breeders with the latest advice from prominent industry experts on improving breeding practices and rearing programmes...
A new programme of seminars will provide dog breeders with the latest advice from prominent industry experts on improving breeding practices and rearing programmes.

Run by the Kennel Club and Royal Canin, the seminars will give breeders the invaluable opportunity to hear from highly regarded professionals in the world of canine health.

The experts include Dr Cathryn Mellersh, from the Kennel Club Genetics Centre at the Animal Health Trust, Dr Angelika von Heimendahl, from the Veterinary Reproduction Service, and Dr Lorna Kennedy, Senior Scientist at the University of Manchester.

The seminars, which will take place throughout England and Scotland between September and December, are open to novice and experienced breeders alike. The panel will guide breeders through topics such as avoiding caesareans, identifying a good DNA test and dealing with autoimmune conditions.

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary said: “We are pleased to offer these important seminars that will undoubtedly help to improve the future health of our dogs. With such a prestigious panel of speakers, the seminars are a not to be missed opportunity for all dog breeders, whether they are looking to breed for the first time or have years of experience; even the most experienced breeders will find these seminars useful.

“The Kennel Club is passionate about creating a future of happy and health dogs and it is through seminars like these, and working with breeders that we will continue to achieve this. We have thousands of great breeders on the Kennel Club Assured Breeder Scheme who are putting health first, and through seminars like these they, and those breeders not yet in the Assured Breeder Scheme, are able to take advantage of the latest expert advice and continue to improve the health of dogs.”

The seminars cost £25 per person, which includes morning refreshments, a buffet lunch, afternoon refreshments and a delegate pack. To book a place at any of the seminars, visit www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/4998. For further information, or to request a booking form, please email Fay Moore at fay.moore@thekennelclub.org.uk
 
Albion Meat Products launches working dog range

Albion Meat Products has introduced a Working Dog range to go alongside its Standard, Canine Country Bowl Premium, Chunky and Freeflow products...



Albion Meat Products has introduced a Working Dog range to go alongside its Standard, Canine Country Bowl Premium, Chunky and Freeflow products.

According to Catherine Donnegan, founder of Albion Meat Products which has been providing BARF-based, meat products for over 30 years, feeding this diet to gundogs and working dogs helps to improve their health so they are less likely to suffer from injury.

A good percentage of Albion Meat Product’s customers are gundog or working dog owners, says Catherine, and they find that by mixing quality meat products with a balance of mixed vegetables provides all the vitamins and minerals that a gundog or working dog needs for an active life.

“Tripe contains the lactic acid bacteria which is the main ingredient in probiotics. The same gastric juices that help cattle with digestion aid the canine in digesting food and efficiently utilizing food. It contains amino acids which are necessary for muscular development which is essential for gun and working dogs," she said.

"Energy levels can be increased by adding more Beef and Lamb to the diet when working as higher protein and fat levels are then required. Chicken is also naturally rich in Omega 3 & 6 for healthy joints and a shiny coat and also contains chondroitin and glucosamine which is ideal for the joints and immune system.

“The addition of raw bones to the diet offers stimulation and exercise for the jaw as well as introducing natural minerals in to the dog’s diet. The main thing about the BARF diet is that it helps to maintain the correct weight for the dog reducing stress on the joints so helping to prevent problems in the future.”

Their new Canine Country Bowl Premium Working Dog range consists of three varieties – Meaty Feast, Lamb Feast, and Salmon and Tripe.

 For further information visit www.albionmeatproducts.co.uk or call 01386 554095.

Cash stolen from Derbyshire pet shop
Police are appealing for witnesses after a pet shop in Bolsover, Derbyshire, was burgled...

Police are appealing for witnesses after a pet shop in Bolsover, Derbyshire, was burgled...

Offenders broke into Perfect Pets, on Carr Vale Road, Bolsover, at midnight on Wednesday, July 17.

They stole a safe containing coins and took money from the till.

Any witnesses should call Derbyshire police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

 
American pet product illuminates the UK market
PupLight is the latest American innovation for helping to keep dogs visible at night, and is being distributed in the UK by Xtra Dog...


PupLight is the latest American innovation for helping to keep dogs visible at night, and is being distributed in the UK by Xtra Dog.

The PupLight, which illuminates a path 30 feet ahead, is ideal for keeping an eye on dogs when they are off lead.

Its LED dog collar is visible from all angles and the dog walker's body doesn't block the light from behind like most other products because the illumination makes a very visible halo of light.

The PupLight is made from polycarbonate plastic and nylon and is water resistant. It is also easy to use as it comes with an adjustable elastic band worn below existing collar. It easily slips over the dog's head, and side release buckles keep the light from moving when the lead is pulled to one side.

This product has won many awards and plaudits in the USA and now it is avialable to buy in the UK.

For further information visit www.xtradog.com or call 0330 088 3547.
 
Fresh call to ban cruel electric shock devices
Defra-funded research has found that the use of electric shock collars on dogs can cause negative behavioural and physiological changes in the animals...
Defra-funded research has found that the use of electric shock collars on dogs can cause negative behavioural and physiological changes in the animals.

It also discovered that these collars were not more effective than positive reinforcement methods, despite this being the main argument for their use, and they were open to misuse as owners tended not to read the manual or, in some cases, were not provided a manual.
 
The Kennel Club is urging the government to take action following two different research studies which found conclusive proof that electric shock collars do not deliver the promises the manufacturers claim and could actually cause more behavioural problems than they solve.

Research funded by the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) identified negative behavioural and physiological changes in a significant proportion of dogs which were trained with an electric shock collar in comparison to the non-electric shock collar control group of dogs in the study. It also provided evidence that some owners even failed to consult the accompanying instruction manual before using the device on their dogs.  

Furthermore, a second piece of research, which involved the Electronic Collar Manufacturers Association, also concluded that electric shock collars are not more effective than positive reinforcement methods (such as reward based training) for recall and chasing, which are cited as the two main reasons for the use of electric shock collar training on dogs.

The findings from these reports are shocking but are of no surprise to the Kennel Club, which has campaigned to ban electric shock collars in the UK and has successfully achieved a ban in Wales. Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary said: “There is no denying the results of these two surveys - action needs to be taken now to prevent further harm being done to the UK’s dogs.

“The first study provided strong evidence on its own, but the second research project which was clearly biased through its involvement with the Electronic Collar Manufacturers Association, speaks volumes. Even with industry trained professionals, and the project being conducted by an organisation with a clear agenda, it was still found that electric shock collars often had a detrimental effect on dogs and did not prove to be a better alternative than training using positive reinforcement.

“Both project findings and conclusions have tremendous implications on animal welfare, and fully support the certainty of many animal welfare organisations such as the Kennel Club that fundamentally electric training devices fail to address underlying behaviour and can cause further behaviour problems by training a dog to respond out of fear of further punishment rather than a natural willingness to obey. The availability of positive training methods far outweighs the need for techniques based on aversion or pain.”

Following these damning reports, the Kennel Club expects that Defra and the rest of the devolved administrations will announce a ban on electric shock collars. Previous Defra Ministers have stated that the government will not consider any proposals regarding a ban on electric shock collars until the peer review process has been completed and these research study project reports are made available, which they have now been.

The Kennel Club has written to Ministers in Westminster, Scotland and Northern Ireland to discuss this important issue in greater detail and hopes to hear from the Ministers regarding their departments’ next steps in this matter.

For further information on the Kennel Club’s campaign against electric shock collars, visit www.thekennelclub.org.uk/banshockcollars
 
Winning team offer nutrition advice
Shane Price and Emma Gates, of the highly successful Lunartico Alaskan Malamutes, have added a nutrition page to their comprehensive website. Click here to view it...



Shane Price and Emma Gates, of the highly successful Lunartico Alaskan Malamutes, have added a nutrition page to their comprehensive website. Click here to view it...

“Since being fed CSJ, our pack has obtained working titles, and whilst doing so our dogs raised money for a number of different charities," said Shane and Emma.

"They have also been successful in the show ring, gaining multiple open and championship show placings, Best of Breeds, Working Group placings, Best in Shows, and Show Certificates of Merit.

“After trying many different brands of food on the market, we came across CSJ and haven't looked back. The sensitive digestive system of the Alaskan Malamute can make choosing the right food a challenge, but after speaking with Ceri Rundle (producer of CSJ foods and International Sheepdog Trials Champion) and the nutrition team at CSJ a few years ago, they recommended two foods from the CSJ range for our dogs, which have proven very popular with our pack at Lunartico.

"Since using CSJ, we have seen a massive change in our dogs, and a change for the better. We have seen some great results in the dogs in both the working field and in the show ring. 

"Our selected product from CSJ are natural foods with no artificial additives or derivatives, and are wheat and gluten free.

"CSJ offers the correct protein and oil levels required by working and show dogs, which improves the condition of the coat, skin and muscle, and cares for the joints on the dog, something very important for active working dogs like ours.”

Pictured:  Shane with ‘Wolfie’.

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