I have some concerns about the following story, and the impact it may have on the use of these collars. I am ardently and intrinsically against the sale of these shock collars to the general public.

I do believe that in some very rare circumstances their use by a professional trainer, or behaviourist, specially licenced to use these collars could be acceptable, if all other methods have failed. Especially if they can save the dogs life or some other animals life

These circumstances should be for for specific behaviours such as stock chasing, worrying sheep or wildlife. You cannot train this instinct out of a dog that has predatory chase aggression with a clicker, or any other method that uses just positive rewards. This behaviour is ingrained into the very fabric of some dogs.

There a couple of other instances where a trained professional to save a dogs like may condone the use of these collars.


Having said that the sale to the general public should be banned in England Scotland and Ireland (they are already banned in Wales). And they should only be used in special circumstances.

There are different types of cruelty. Tethering dogs up for long periods of time so they cannot escape, or only ever walking them on a short lead for the remainder of their lives. That is mental cruelty and goes against number three of the five freedoms under the Animal Welfare Act of 2006.
In the right hands and with the understanding of each individual dogs behavioural and psychological ability, then this tool can save some dogs lives.  

Stan Rawlinson

A dog owner has been fined £2,000 after becoming the first to be prosecuted in Britain for using an illegal electric shock collar.

Wales banned the devices last year. Phillip Pook, 48, from Ogmore-by-Sea, Vale of Glamorgan, admitted using the collar, to stop his border collie jumping over a wall.

But he had denied he had been warned the collar was illegal.

It was discovered on his dog, found roaming on a beach in December 2010.

Pook was also ordered to pay £1,000 in costs, when he was sentenced.

He used the collar to try to stop the collie jumping over a high wall surrounding his property, Bridgend magistrates heard.
The court was told the collar emitted its electric shock when the dog wearing it went near a specific fence.

They also heard that the dog, which kept escaping, was known at a local kennels as "the dog with the shock collar".

The use of the dog collars was banned in Wales last year.

Prosecutor David Prosser said: "This is the first prosecution under the regulations for this type of collar. "It operates like an electric fence, and if the dog approaches the boundaries or tries to escape it sends a shock to the dog.

"He didn't accept that it was illegal because it's legal in England. But this is the law as far as Wales is concerned."
The prosecution told magistrates that Mr Pook had been warned in April 2010 that these sorts of collars were illegal in Wales, although they are allowed in England.

Mr Pook bought the collar online six months before the ban came into effect.

'Outdated and unsuitable'

The 2010 Animal Welfare (Electronic Collars) (Wales) Regulations prohibit the use on cats or dogs of any electronic collar designed to administer an electric shock. Chair of magistrates Caroline Naysmith said: "We accept that you attached the collar with good intentions and when you first did so it was not illegal.

"But you knew the law had changed and you continued to attach the collar anyway."

The collar was shown to magistrates Under the regulations, which came into force in March 2010, using such a collar is an offence punishable with up to 51 weeks imprisonment.

Their use is still legal in England and Scotland but the issue is due to be debated by both the UK and Scottish parliaments. They are also legal in Northern Ireland.

RSPCA inspector Nic De Celis said after the case: "It's gratifying to see that this new legislation really works and is making a difference to animal welfare in Wales.

"I hope this case sends a strong message to all animal owners in Wales that the courts will not tolerate the use of these barbaric devices."

The Kennel Club also welcomed the prosecution.

'Ineffective'

A spokeswoman said: "Electric shock collars train dogs through pain and through fear - they are a cruel, outdated and unsuitable method of training dogs. "

The Dogs Trust said the use of such collars was "unacceptable, unnecessary and ineffective" and said it was disappointed the UK and Scottish governments had not yet ruled on a ban of their own.

A spokeswoman said: "The charity believes that every dog should be trained using kind, fair and reward-based methods.  "These are proven to be highly successful in modifying behaviour including aggression, without subjecting dogs to cruelty."

"(3) To exhibit normal behaviour patterns"

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More on Wild Battlefields

Breed Specific Legislation and the Save Lennox Campaign



Lennox in solitary surrounded by his own faeces

 Lennox, is a five year old American Bulldog x Labrador. Who was seized by the Belfast City Council Dog Wardens from his family home where he lived with his owners and his pals (other Dogs). Lennox had done nothing wrong. He hadn't attacked anyone, there were no complaints at all registered against him. Amazingly the warrant was actually for a different address.

Lennox’s family have apparently  done everything required by the law as responsible dog owners . They also foster dogs for various Northern Ireland dog shelters. When Lennox was a puppy his owners had him neutered, licensed, insured, DNA registered, Pet Safe registered and micro chipped and although the Belfast City Council have issued a dog licence for Lennox for the last five years and continue to do so today.
The Council now find the need to class him as of Pit Bull type and intend to put him down. Yet this same council declared his 'litter-brother' a Labrador cross. I would be interested in their logic regarding this.


 As a professional dog behaviourist and obedience trainer. part of my work centres around assessing dogs under the Dangerous Dogs Act of 1991. That is dogs that are of banned breeds or that are dangerously out of control in a public place.

Lennox as a puppy

If they are deemed to be of a banned breed type. (please note the term type) they are snatched from their loving homes. locked in secure kennels where the owners cannot visit them or check on their health or well being. Whilst the dogs are there they are in solitary confinement with no other dogs for comfort or solace. Please remember that dogs are pack animals. This is arbitrary and no case against these animals has been heard or even started when they are taken away.


It is heart rending. Sometimes these dogs are in these conditions for years before a case is heard in court. I find some of the dogs I have to test, are not of one of the ban breeds and the initial assessor had got it wrong


I may then be called to put these facts to a court. Often decisions are taken over the length of the leg, or the shape of the tail or the distance between the eyes and the nose. The measurements that are taken have to prove beyond doubt that the dog is, or is not, of pit bull type. The dog only has to be 60% of pit bull type to be classed as a banned breed.

I offered to assess Lennox for free last year, but my request was ignored. I did not even get the courtesy of an acknowledgement. Unfortunately Northern Ireland never updated their legislation when we amended the act in 1997 to stop automatic destruction orders. Therefore all dogs that are deemed of a banned breed in NI are automatically euthanised.

Please help spread awareness of this terrible tragedy. The family are distraught including their 12 year old daughter who is disabled. Lennox was her therapy dog. Both her and her dog are suffering terribly.

What truly confuses me about the DDA (dangerous dogs act) is it's overriding assumption on what constitutes a dangerous dog. As yet no one has managed to prove that in any animal including humans, that nature alone determines the behavioural nature of that animal. Therefore suggesting that nurture plays no part. By banning specific breeds the legislators have effectively stated that nature alone determines the outcome of any dog. That effectively states that all animals including humans are born either bad or good, and no amount of education, upbringing and social position can have any impact on the way it was born.

I find that assumption to be ludicrous, and it flies in the face of all known psychological and behavioural studies.


Please help by signing the petition to have him released via the links below, distribute this information as widely as possible and using every media possible to help bring this innocent dog home. Time is running out for Lennox the clock is ticking down for his final walk. You can make the difference. See Below.


"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."


--Ghandi



Official Save Lennox Website



Sign the Petition



Follow Lennox's Campaign on Facebook

This a street party we had for Kate and Williams wedding In Coombe Crescent Hampton. Middlesex, near Hampton Court Palace.

We had a great time lots of food, barbecues and of course drink. It went on until after midnight where we were all creeping about with torches.

If there is one think we do well it is Royal occassion, it made me proud (for a change) to be British.

The James bond theme "nobody does it better" could have been written for what Britain does when the time arises.

Well done all involved and I hope the couple have a happy and long life together.

Puppy Crying at Night

The First Nights

It's entirely natural for a new puppy to call out for someone to come when separated. Pups alone in the wild would not survive without this alarm system. Therefore all your new dog is doing is following instinct. Either in the nesting box or in the wild, a puppy learns very quickly that when separated from the pack, calls for help will allow other members of the pack to quickly locate him.

If the puppy is very distressed and clearly upset, then I will often suggest allowing it to sleep in your bedroom, but within an indoor kennel/crate. Then over a period of time move the crate in stages to the spot where you want the puppy to stay for instance the kitchen.

However it is vital to have a play-pen as well as the crate with paper down in the playpen NOT THE CRATE so that the dog can defecate and urinate. Shutting the crate door on a very young puppy could be a total disaster. It can cause crate aversion and toileting problems, it will definitely cause anxiety. Therefore until the pup is at least twelve to thirteen weeks old I would not shut the crate door overnight. (See toileting with a crate)

Then over a period of time move the crate in stages to the spot where you want the puppy to stay, for instance the kitchen. You will normally know if the puppy seriously distressed if it starts throwing itself at the bars trying desperately to escape, defecating or urinating in the crate is also a sign of distress.


If you decide that the bedroom is not the best place for the puppy, and their are some very good reasons why pups should not be allowed upstairs. Not least the fact that the bones are soft at this age and the pressure on the joints of the front legs whilst manoeuvring downstairs can cause a condition called over- run. This is when the bone between the pastern and the forearm (see points of the dog) pushes over the forearm joint causing lameness and premature arthritis

The first thing you need to know about how to overcome this noise problem is you must ignore it, to go down and scold the puppy would be counter productive, irrespective of whether your appearance is positive or negative the fact that you appeared at all in response to the cries will have reinforced this crying instinct. If noise never elicits a response, then the pup will learn that this method of communication doesn't’ work.

What never works is waiting whilst the puppy makes more and more noise then finally becoming exasperated and going to the puppy. All that would teach the little horror was being especially PERSISTENT really works!

Punishment does NOT teach your dog to be quiet, any more than it would a baby crying. Punishment or anger would stress him more' and could create behaviour problems or affect your future relationship with your pet.

You can help your puppy accept the separation more quickly by introducing the area you want the pup to stay then carefully. Feed favourite treats in this area, if you are using a crate then you can leave a stuffed Bone or Kong in the crate as you go up to bed

I am a staunch advocate of crate training. Correctly introduced it speeds up the toilet training process, gives the pup a secure and comfortable den and a bolt hole in times of stress. It can also be an invaluable asset when the pup gets older. Situations where a dog may need the ability to accept and relax in a crate include: recovery from medical problems, travel, emergency, and adjustment to a new home or a new family.

Obviously the best time to introduce a crate is when they are puppies. See my Toileting with a Crate on the main home site.

The Ten Commandments for Pets

• My life is likely to last 10-15 years; any separation from you will be painful for me. Remember that before you buy me.
  
   

• Give me time to understand what you want from me; don't be impatient, short-tempered, or irritable.

• Place your trust in me and I will always trust you back. Respect is earned not given as an inalienable right.

• Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment; I am not capable of understanding why. I only know I have been rejected. You have your work, entertainment, and friends, but I only have you.

• Talk to me sometimes. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice and your tone. You only have to look at my tail.

• Be aware that however you treat me, I'll never forget it, and if it's cruel, it may affect me forever.

• Please don't hit me. I can't hit back, but I can bite and scratch, and I really don't ever want to do that.

• Before you scold me for being uncooperative, obstinate, or lazy, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right foods or I've been out in the sun too long, or my heart is getting old and weak. It may be I am just dog-tired.

• Take care of me when I get old. You too will grow old and may also need love, care, comfort, and attention.

• Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say, "I can't bear to watch" or "Let it happen in my absence". Everything is easier for me if you are there. Remember, regardless of what you do, I will always love you.

© Stan Rawlinson 1993

I wrote this piece many years ago. It has been used for a film and printed in many ways. I personally believe it was the best piece I have written of the many hundreds of articles I have written over the years.


Ever thought How you can teach your dog to walk to heel in minute then this is the page for you.

Firstly we should understand why a dog pulls, it is either:

Anticipation: "Yeah we going to the park" this one normally does not pull on the way back from the park! but is an absolute nightmare getting there.

Control: This one wants to control most things, from controlling the lead to the speed you walk. This control freak normally pulls at all times both to and from the park.

Fear: Only pulls on the way back from the park so he can get back to the safety of the house. This type of puller normally suffers from traffic noise, lead aversion or agoraphobia.

The Lead: Strangely enough many dogs pull because of the type of lead you have. Let me explain by quoting one of the principal laws of physics. Also known as Newton's Law. For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. These forces are called action and reaction and are the subject of Isaac Newton's third law of motion. Simply put for every Ying there is a Yang for every pull there is a push.

We generally have shortish leads and when the dog pulls we immediately pull him back. There you have it! You can't fight Newton's Law, and Physics, according to any scientist are immutable.

So you pull the dog back and physics takes over, he just has to push against your pull and bingo you have a nightmare lead walking. Isn't it strange that often dogs walk perfectly well off the lead but are an absolute nightmare when you clip the lead on.

I knew all that time at school listening to my physics teacher (I think we called them science masters), would prove useful one day. Because of my beliefs I designed and developed a lead that would be the correct length for training dogs in all disciplines. Not just to stop pulling but for many other problems as well, young Isaac would have been proud of me.

want to know more and see videoes of how it works them follow this link. Training a Dog To Walk To Heel Lead Leash Training

Choosing And Buying a Puppy

The Big Decision So you want a dog! Do the entire family buy into this idea? Experience has shown that if one or more are against a pet, then bringing an animal into that environment can cause considerable family friction and stress. Have you weighed up the financial and time implications, these can be considerable, owning a dog is a serious commitment and should never be taken lightly

You should not purchase a puppy if you are going to be working for a number of days per week and the puppy will be left alone for longer than an hour or so. People buy puppies for many reasons, for some it can be a difficult and traumatic time. It can also be a very difficult and anxious time for the puppy. Suddenly taken away from the security of the breeder the mother and the pups siblings, anxiety,and fear can set in deeply. They need your attention comfort and reassurance at this critical time.

Dogs are pack animals they take solace and comfort in the family/pack. If someone buys a puppy then leaves it for hours each day many behavioural problems can arise not least separation anxiety. Think long and hard on whether your life style and employment both now and in the foreseeable future will allow you to give the time, patience and security this little scrap of a puppy needs.

Puppies and adult dogs can become very depressed and ill if they are left for long periods. This is especially important when the pups are under 6 months of age. Sometimes a rescue may be a better choice, having said that many od the rescue will not re-home to people the work most days.

You should take into consideration your health, age, and overall time constraints, do you want an active or sedentary animal? Some dogs demand and require almost constant attention, lots of exercise and mental stimulation. Others are more laid back; therefore you need to research which dog will suit your family’s outlook and lifestyle that includes living arrangements. For instance if you live in a flat and had limited time, a Border Collie or Springer Spaniel type dog would be madness, and would most probably lead to serious behavioural difficulties. Not only for the dog!

Lots of people buy a dog because they like the look of them, ie for aesthetic reasons, without taking into account the needs and temperament of that breed. You need to research both the positive and the negative side of your chosen breed and make sure what you are looking for is suitable for your environment and lifestyle. Make sure you have fully decided on the breed before you start looking for your new addition to the family.

If you have decided on a Puppy then there are some fundamental things you must do and some places you should never buy from, and rules that you must adhere to whatever the breeder or seller tells you.

Puppies Where To Buy

Rule 1. Never ever buy a Puppy from anywhere or anyone without being able to see at least one or preferably both the parents. There are places called Puppy Farms that are absolutely deplorable.

Just look at this LINK for more information and to report a potential puppy farmed dog.

Puppies from these farms normally have major health and behavioural problems throughout their lives. This is caused mainly through poor breeding, bad sanitation, cheap food, and bad handling.
They are generally taken from their mother and siblings far too early causing socialisation problems with people and other dogs.

Do not let the word Farm give you the wrong impression. It may not be a farm but kennels that are clean, airy, and bright. On the face of it look like a professional establishment. If you cannot meet at least one parent or their are lots of different breeds of pups around, then do not even consider buying a puppy, you will almost certainly live to regret that rash decision.
Quite often these people will buy the whole litter at say £45 per dog from puppy farms in Ireland or Wales, then sell then on to you at £450.00 complete with fancy bogus pedigree certification.

Rule 2. Never buy a puppy from a pet shop or any other similar outlet; other animals are OK but not Dogs. You could be supporting the horrific trade in puppy-farmed dogs. I have even seen pups being sold at car boot sales. Many of the dogs sold in Pet Shops are from puppy farmers.

Rule 3. Never buy on impulse or because you feel sorry for a frightened or timid puppy.

Rule 4. Never take the word of a breeder or any seller who says you cannot meet any of the parents, or they skirt your questions re the parents. The excuses commonly used are the mothers ill or not available or at friends or they are selling a pup for someone else. Another scam is to meet you somewhere away from the so called breeders home. Or they will bring the pup to you. You must see the house, the kennels, and where the puppies are being kept. It is better if they are reared indoors.

Rule 5. Do not automatically believe that your dog is a pedigree. Just because they have supplied a certificate, especially if parents cannot be seen, some of these certificates are not worth the cheap paper they are printed on. I have a puppy at my classes at the time of writing this, with a full pedigree certificate, sold as a Cocker Spaniel yet it is clearly and without any shadow of a doubt an English Springer Spaniel.

Rule 6. Unless you are an experienced handler/dog owner then do not pick the puppy that bounds up to you and pushes all the others out the way in it's haste to get at you. This is normally the most dominant of the litter. Do not also go to the other end of the scale and pick the runt or the frightened one, because you feel sorry for it, you are taking on a whole heap of problems if you do.

The majority of all dog attacks are based on fear not aggression. You are far better off picking a pup from the middle rankings. The breeder if worth their salt, should be able to advise you on this. Alternatively you can employ a behaviourist or specialist who can assess the pups using specialised puppy assessment tests.

Rule 7. If you looking for puppies do not automatically think that if you go through the Kennel Club route that those dogs and breeders have all been personally checked or vetted by that organisation. This is not the case though an excellent and well meaning establishment, they really do not have the facilities nor the ability or time to check the credentials or bona fide of all the breeders on their books.

Rule 8. Never ever buy two puppies at the same time, whether siblings or from different litters. This is a recipe for disaster see my article Siblings The Worst Of Both Worlds.

You may be better to go to the breed clubs of the type of dog you are looking for, as they generally know each individual professional breeder, and respect each other ethics and work. Contact the secretaries and they should be able to point you in the direction of available quality pups.

CHOOSING THE PUPPY AND TAKING IT HOME

You have now set out what you want and where to buy it from. I would recommend you visit the puppies at the very least twice, at 4/5 weeks and again when you pick up the pup. The best age to take the puppy home is 7 weeks see my Psychological Changes in a Puppies Growth.

 NEVER ever accept a puppy less than 7 weeks of age, it is vitally important they are with their mother and siblings up to this age, puppies over twelve weeks should be avoided if possible, however this would depend on where they are kept, ie, if they are kept in a house and if it is a loving home with plenty of contact with the breeders family then it can be considered .(not in a kennel outside without human contact).

Check the appearance of the mother and puppies. Do they appear healthy; eyes clear and bright, free of any discharge? Are their coats shiny?

If possible get confirmation of the eye and hip scores of both the mother and the father. If the breeder allows you, always stroke and fuss the parents, check their temperament, look for signs of aggression, fearfulness, nervousness, or ‘neurotic’ symptoms such as chewing feet, tail, or skin damage, are the dogs pacing etc.
This is especially important in the mother, as the puppies are in close contact with her. It has been shown that, it is the mother that mainly shapes the behavioural future of the offspring, genetics may load the gun but environment fires it.

Make sure you handle the puppies if they become distressed or shy away this could mean that they have not been properly socialised. If the puppies have been socialised correctly, then they will adapt and accept situations that are potentially stressful.

You should then end up with a happy well-balanced dog in maturity.

Before bringing your new dog home, make sure your garden is ‘Safe & Secure’. Purchase a collar, lead, bowls, and dog tag with name address and telephone (law max £5000 fine) bed, toys and treats etc, check with the breeder what she is feeding the pups, a good breeder will supply you with some food and give you a feeding chart.

It is also very helpful to have left an unwashed worn tee shirt on your first visit to the breeders, so that the puppies will recognise your smell. This will also give the pup more confidence when you finally pick it up, as the pup will immediately detect your smell. It will also have the litter and mothers smell which will provide some comfort and security in the first weeks at home.

Check with other dog owners as to the best Vet in your area. If you live near me check on the local links section, as I have recommended what I believe to be the best Vets around here in London, Surrey, Middx etc. When you pick up the pup take a cardboard box with you and line it with newspaper. Take spare newspaper with you as the pup may be sick and will almost certainly urinate and defecate on the journey, especially if it is any distance.

When you get home place the bed or crate near somewhere warm, if you are using a crate and I heartily endorse them, cover the crate with a blanket or sheet to make it more den like introduce the puppy to the crate gradually and positively, see my article on Toileting With a Crate.

If you have a loud ticking clock put this near the bed or crate, you can also put in a hot water bottle; it mimics the mothers and siblings heat. Make sure it is well covered or you may get a very wet bed/crate, and the tick of the clock the heartbeats, leave a radio on in another room, make sure it is tuned into a talk not a music station. 97.3 LBC is my favourite and the one I choose every time. Not sure about what the pup thinks though?

If the puppy continues to get very distressed after a couple of days you can take it into your bedroom, though I would only normally advise this when using a crate/indoor kennel, as you can gradually move this back to the original location gradually over a period of time, once the puppy has settled in. (See Puppy Crying at Night)

Your new puppy will needs lots of sleep, just like a human baby so too much interference in this pattern will be detrimental, rough handling by children or adults could affect the behaviour and attitude of your new puppy, and could have a long lasting effect as the dog matures. However not enough contact and gentle handling will also have a negative effect on your dog, finding the right balance is of vital importance.

A puppy can be an absolute joy or an unmitigated nightmare, which one you get, can be affected by the effort you initially put into your research, decisions, training and ongoing socialisation. It is vitally important to book your puppy into a good socialisation class, make sure that they do not have more than 8/10 dogs in any one class and that the pups at the start of the course are not over 18 weeks old, and the trainers do not allow the puppies to just jump on one another at the start of the class, integration of the puppies in the class should be careful and slow to avoid problems and long term bad manners in later life.

Puppies need lots of time, care and patience. Follow the above guidelines and your efforts will be positively rewarded with what I personally believe is the best companion in the world.