#Dog Welfare

[blueboyluca]

I've turned off reblogs on my original post about the agility spaniel in pain and it's ironic really because this sort of thing is why Crufts as an organisation probably doesn't address stuff like this.

Quickly the narrative shifts to, "This is abuse and only bad people would do this." But that's not true.

All of us with dogs are capable of and do hurt our animals without consciously choosing, "I think I will commit abuse today". We may be ignorant, we may be distracted, we may be under social pressure. People aren't perfect, nobody's dog is cared for perfectly.

The comments, reblogs and tags on that post show that a lot of people only think the dog was stressed. And, I concede, I can't say for sure the dog was in pain because I am not at Crufts and I don't have hands on the dog, but that dog was displaying signs of pain specifically, not just stress. Other dogs ran before and after this spaniel that also displayed signs of stress, but none of them displayed signs of pain. It's important to be able to notice both types of discomfort and yet so many people can't see pain in dogs.

I believe that participating in dog sports is actually more likely to make you aware of your dog's behaviour. Usually you need to train them to do very specific things, so you become very observant of small movements and changes. The pressures of competing in a dog sport can and have blinded many people to the true plight of their dogs, but that's not inherent to all dog sports competitors, nor is it absent in dog owners who don't participate in dog sports.

If your dog is in pain and you can't see it yet, that doesn't make you a bad person. If you choose not to learn what pain can look like in dogs, however, you are making the choice to not provide the best possible care for your dog that you can. That goes for people who do agility and it goes for people who don't.

The woman who competed with her spaniel in the Novice Cup yesterday at Crufts isn't an inherently bad person. Her dog is the victim of a puppy farm that was raided by the RSPCA and it has suffered abuse before. It was not being abused by running around the agility ring on that one day. It was showing signs of pain though, and despite being surrounded by the best agility athletes in the UK, the handler still ended up running that dog. It was probably the dog's first time at Crufts and it might have been the handler's as well. It's not hard to see how it happened, it's just disappointing that it did. And if it becomes a consistent pattern with this handler, then I perhaps would consider it a kind of abuse.

But what it is right now is an opportunity for all of us to think about our own choices and how they affect our dogs, even if we aren't being streamed online to an international audience of people who are going to make multiple Tumblr posts about us.

[thepastisalreadywritten]

13 July 2023

Golden retrievers at Guisachan, near Tomich (2018)

—

Dudley Coutts Marjoribanks, 1st Baron Tweedmouth, also known as the Laird of Guisachan and Glenaffric (29 December 1820 – 4 March 1894), was a Scottish businessman and a Liberal politician who sat in the House of Commons from 1853 until 1880, when he was elevated to the peerage as Baron Tweedmouth.

He was the breeder of the first golden retriever.

[local-hellhound-steals-spaghetti]

Oh come on. This guy harps on about force free people wanting to euthanise reactive dogs all the goddamn time.

I swear every time he’s popped up on my feed the video caption says “this dog owner was told to PUT DOWN this reactive dog from a PURELY POSITIVE dog trainer 😱 now I’M GONNA FIX THIS DOG!”

I don’t believe his story and victim complex bullshit for a second.

Good to hear he was kicked out of Crufts.

[kfpcollector]

⚠️ SIGN to help our shelter dogs! ⚠️

🩵 At the moment, the Irish government is imposing a ban on XL Bully dogs. If you love dogs, please consider signing the petition to extend the rehoming of XL Bullies this October! 

🩵 “From October 1st 2024, new regulations will prohibit the importing, breeding, selling and RE-HOMING of XL Bullies.”  

🩵 Hundreds, if not thousands, of innocent dogs will be euthanised in shelters this October. If you agree with the ban, so be it, I will not argue with that. But the mass euthanasia that is about to take place is completely unnecessary and cruel. Shelters in Ireland do a fantastic job at rehoming rescue dogs and specific breeds to appropriate and responsible homes. There is simply no need to force shelters to euthanise these bully dogs when there are experienced people willing to rescue and train them. 

🩵 We are NOT advocating to stop the ban altogether. We are simply advocating to lift (or at least delay) the rehoming ban. 

🩵 Please sign the petition to save these dogs! Thank you and have a wonderful day x

[zaryathelaika]

If the anti-tethering progressives actually care about working-class, the unemployed and disabled folks, then they would push for these outside of shops.

(There's also these designated areas for letting people know where tethering is allowed and isn't allowed, but we have them as well in Canada in dog-friendly cities)

[freenewsreport]

Unleashing Insights: National Dog Survey 2024 Reveals Crucial Trends in Dog Ownership

Dog ownership is more than just providing food and shelter. It's a commitment that requires care, attention, and sometimes a bit of expert advice when things get tricky! In 2024, the National Dog Survey 2024 continues to play a significant role in understanding the challenges and needs faced by dog owners across the United Kingdom. But what exactly is this survey, and why is it so important? Let’s dive in and explore how this year’s survey is shaping the future of canine welfare and dog ownership.

What is the National Dog Survey 2024?

The National Dog Survey 2024 is an annual initiative aimed at gathering data from dog owners about their experiences. Conducted by the Dogs Trust, a leading dog welfare charity in the UK, this survey is designed to understand how dog ownership is changing and what can be done to improve it. The results of the survey guide the organization in developing programs like the Behavior Support Line, which offers free consultation services to owners dealing with challenging dog behavior.

This survey is more than just a formality—it’s a lifeline for dogs and owners alike. Ever wonder how programs are tailored to address specific needs? Well, the National Dog Survey 2024 gives direct insight into what matters most for both pups and their humans.

Why the Survey Matters

Dog owners have the unique position of being on the front lines of dog welfare. They know their pets better than anyone and can provide real, on-the-ground insights into the highs and lows of having a canine companion. This survey empowers them to voice their concerns and share their experiences.

Some reasons the National Dog Survey 2024 is crucial:

Helps identify key trends in dog behavior and ownership challenges.

Informs programs like the Behavior Support Line that address behavioral issues in dogs.

Assists in policy-making by giving charities and organizations the data they need to lobby for better dog welfare laws.

Without the input of everyday dog owners, organizations like the Dogs Trust wouldn’t have the necessary data to create meaningful change!

Key Findings from the National Dog Survey 2024

What’s the scoop from this year’s survey? Here are some standout findings that are already shaping conversations in the dog welfare community:

1. Increasing Demand for Behavior Support

Behavioral challenges are a hot topic this year. A growing number of dog owners reported needing support in managing difficult behaviors, such as excessive barking, separation anxiety, and aggression toward other pets. The Behavior Support Line was created as a direct response to this need, offering expert advice free of charge. Isn’t that a relief for stressed-out dog owners?

2. Changes in Dog Ownership Patterns

The survey found that more young adults and families are adopting dogs than in previous years, reflecting the evolving demographic of dog owners. Interestingly, many new owners cited mental health benefits as a key motivator for getting a dog. Isn’t it wonderful how dogs bring joy and support during tough times?

3. Focus on Rescue and Adoption

There’s been an increase in adoption rates from rescue shelters, with 52% of survey respondents opting to adopt rather than purchase from breeders. This shift toward rescuing dogs highlights a growing awareness of the importance of giving every dog a chance at a loving home.

4. Health and Wellness Concerns

More owners are becoming aware of their dogs' health needs. The survey revealed that over 60% of participants regularly visit the vet, and nearly half are investing in specialized diets for their pets. Health is wealth, and the National Dog Survey 2024 is showing us just how far owners are willing to go for their four-legged friends.

The Role of Programs Like the Behavior Support Line

One of the most significant outcomes of the National Dog Survey 2024 has been the implementation of new welfare programs such as the Behavior Support Line. This service is a game-changer for dog owners who may struggle with issues like leash pulling, fearfulness, or even aggression. The free consultancy it offers allows owners to get professional help without worrying about costs—a fantastic step toward making sure no dog owner feels left alone when challenges arise.

How Can You Participate in the National Dog Survey?

Participating in the National Dog Survey 2024 is as easy as it gets! If you’re a dog owner, you can simply visit the Dogs Trust website and fill out the survey online. It doesn’t take long, but the impact is profound. Every response helps shape the future of dog ownership in the UK.

By participating, you can:

Share your personal experiences with dog ownership.

Help the Dogs Trust better understand the challenges you face.

Contribute to the creation of programs that support both dogs and their owners.

The Future of Dog Ownership in the UK

What does the future hold for dog owners in the UK? If the results of the National Dog Survey 2024 are any indication, we’re moving toward a more informed, supported, and compassionate era of dog ownership. With more people adopting rescue dogs, prioritizing health, and using resources like the Behavior Support Line, it’s clear that the bond between humans and dogs is stronger than ever.

Conclusion

The National Dog Survey 2024 isn’t just another survey; it’s a vital tool that influences how we care for our beloved pets. From addressing behavioral challenges to reshaping adoption trends, this survey paints a comprehensive picture of what it means to own a dog today. If you’re a dog owner, don’t miss your chance to participate—your insights could make all the difference for dogs across the UK.

[caninections]

We’re launching a ✨ BRAND NEW ✨ dog training podcast this summer 🤩! I’m your host, Ryleigh Mars 👉😎👉 🎙️ I’ll be yapping about dog training, behavior, enrichment, dog sports, shenanigans, drama, shows, trials, stories, interviewing my friends, and so on and so forth~ 🔔 Follow Caninections here on Tumblr, Instagram, or Facebook for show updates, previews, guest introductions, and more. You won’t want to miss this 🙌

[lindacasedogs]

The Stress-Reducing Effects of......

A Dog’s Friend Providing a Good Life I think it is safe to say that most of us strive to provide our dogs with a good life. Typically, we think of this as a life that includes love, companionship, security, proper nutrition and health care, and opportunities for exercise, play, and relaxation. An additional (and I would argue basic) goal is to reduce and manage stressors and different sources…

[allperfectpets]

dogs diarrhea: Few Steps You Can Take to Help Your Dog

Dog loose bowels can be an unsettling and muddled issue for any dog proprietor. It very well may be brought about by different elements, including dietary changes, contaminations, stress, or hidden medical issue. As a capable pet parent, it's vital to know how to deal with this present circumstance and give essential consideration to your shaggy companion. In this article, we will examine a couple of steps you can take to help your dog when it encounters the runs.

[leoparduscolocola]

it’s honestly scary seeing how popular raw feeding for cats and dogs is becoming. for so long dogs and cats weren’t coming down with nutrient deficiencies because of commercially available pet food and now they’re making a comeback, plus people have literally died from the diseases transferred by raw feeding… it’s not surprising, though, that raw feeding is growing in popularity considering how popular anti-science movements for humans are right now too. like you can literally go into a pet store and see signs plastered all over claiming that raw is the best when there’s not a shred of evidence for that. it’s so ironic that pet store employees will tell you that the eVil vEtS iN bEd WiTh BiG kiBbLe only recommend a certain food because they get paid to do so and then in the very next breath recommend an obscenely expensive raw food that obviously gives the store a pretty big profit margin. i get why people might not trust the pet food industry but you don’t have to feed raw, you can hire an actual veterinary nutritionist (not just some raw guru online with a “nutrition certificate”) to formulate a homecooked recipe for you

[typhlonectes]

[blueboyluca]

Amanda Arrington, the woman who founded the Coalition in 2007, initially focused on the problem of chained dogs as an animal welfare issue. She believed it could be ameliorated with the right resources—namely free fences. When she and Lori began spending more time in the neighborhoods where chained dogs were most common, however, they found systemic social problems that went much deeper. The real enemy was not neglect or cruelty; it was poverty.

— Bronwen Dickey, Pit Bull (2016)

Wish more animal people understood this.

[petsync]

Every time I try to take a nap, my cat suddenly becomes the most active creature in the world, jumping around and knocking things over. It's like she knows!

Here you will find the best videos about cats and dogs

[local-hellhound-steals-spaghetti]

Jfc so many TikTok dog trainers push this idea that giving your dog attention when they ask for it, getting excited when you come home and letting your dog sleep in you bed causes separation anxiety.

It doesn’t. Research has shown that separation anxiety are caused by factors like genetics, trauma, sudden environmental changes, moving house and other usually completely out of control factors.

Your dog is a goddamn social animal. Social sleeping is natural behaviour, big excited greetings is natural behaviour and seeking social support and interaction is NATURAL BEHAVIOUR. Because you have brought a social living breathing animal into your house and you are their social group.

Withholding attention and being unpredictable or conditional about interacting with a social animal makes you kind of an asshole. Sure, you should set boundaries and your dog doesn’t have to live in your skin either, but don’t let unqualified so-called “professionals” shame you for loving your dog how you choose to love them.

Let them sleep in your bed if you want them to, revel in the joy of an excited dog greeting you when you come home, give your dog pats and cuddles when they seek you for them.

And don’t let anyone tell you that giving social support to a social animal is going to cause them anxiety. Because that is not how anxiety works at all.

(I have a Bachelor degree in Canine Science and am a Certified Professional Dog Trainer)

[marblemartian]

to anyone looking to get a ball python:

please either rescue or adopt. the saturation is fucking Insane and giving more money to breeders who have Hundreds of these snakes in itty bitty barren racks their entire lives only perpetuates the suffering of innocent snakes. the practice is no better than that of puppy mills more often than not.

thats not to mention the number of surrendered ball pythons is insanely high BECAUSE of this over-saturation. first time pet people go to expos, bring home a snake they dont know how to care for, get bored of it and surrender it. those snakes deserve love.

if you do decide to purchase from a breeder, please make sure theyre a small scale breeder with proper husbandry practices and actual enrichment for their snakes.

make sure you meet their breeder snakes, that theyre in good health, and ask for photos of their enclosures. they dont have to be giant terrariums, just enough for them to Actually move and stimulate their brain and allow thermoregulation. so many Large ball python breeders have a bin that is large enough for the snake to sit there. thats IT.

[pugsandfrenchbulldogs]