Saturday, September 14, 2013

How to make the little boars in your life very happy

(c) Anne Fawcett
Twigs? Kindling? Nope. They're apple tree chews for guinea pigs and rabbits.
I don't know about you, but I'm always looking for ways to ensure my guinea pigs are happy with their lot in life. Mostly that comes down to providing excellent hay, time outside and a decent diet. I do try treats but the reaction is usually negative. e.g. I offered Radike Samo a strawberry last week and he ran as far away as he possibly could from the offending food. 

When I received my orchard hay in the mail this week there was a sweet little surprise in the box: at first I thought someone had wrapped a few twigs but they are Apple Tree Chews.

They are sourced from apple trees on a family orchard (Baraka Station) in Stanhope QLD, pruned by hand and never sprayed (important when you are going to allow the small mammals in your life to have a nibble on them).

(c) Anne Fawcett
Randy with his chewed chew. He did pick it up and run around with it but everytime I tried to take a photo he put it down. 
My boars tasted them right away, but the lovely peeps from Specialised Animal Nutrition provided a list of suggestions for the neophobic cavies and bunnies out there:

  1. Bending the stick back and forth to bring out the aroma;
  2. Holding it up to their mouth to tempt them to have a first bite;
  3. Rubbing a bit of fresh apple, banana or pear onto it (oh apples and pears - my boys LOVE these but I try to feed these foods sparingly).
(c) Anne Fawcett
Yep, these are a winner. (Well, at least in my house - N=2).


Friday, September 13, 2013

SAT Guest Posts for VetGirl

A marked thoracic effusion in a cat presenting with dyspnoea. Cats are extremely adept at masking clinical signs until they are profoundly compromised.
The hands-down best thing about blogging? You get to meet other people in your field who are as passionate about the things you love as you are. Board certified emergency and critical care specialist Dr Justine Lee is one of those individuals. 

This week, SAT guest-blogged on her VetGirl site and I'd love you to check out the post and explore the site. Check it out here.

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Save a life in September - or any month!


Adopting an animal from a shelter is one of the most rewarding things you can do, but I'm going to let pictures speak louder than words. 

The above video is a movie about Bosca. My folks adopted him from a shelter a few years ago and he's living it up big time (look out for his brother-from-another-mother, little Phil).

This month the Animal Welfare League is running the Save a Life in September campaign, designed to debunk myths about shelter animals (namely that they are all somehow "damaged goods") and to make people aware of the sheer hardwork shelter staff put into socialising, training and loving these animals.

According to the campaign, 80 per cent of people who adopted a companion animal from a shelter had no trouble bonding with their pet, and 99.7% said that their life was enriched since adopting from a shelter (so 19.7% might have had some minor bonding issues but life was definitely better).

But don't take my word for it. Watch for yourself. Click HERE to watch their video about adopting cats (I don't want to spoil it but the feline in this clip is a star).

Meantime if you're not yet following the buzz around the Getting2Zero summit, you might want to check our interviews with shelter vet Dr Lila Miller and dog trainer Cecile Ashen Young.

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Interview with Animal Trainer Cecile Ashen Young


Cecile Ashen Young is a passionate animal trainer, advocate of environmental enrichment and a former geological engineer (the second engineer we’ve interviewed this week!). She is speaking at the Getting 2 Zero conference, so we’re thrilled she took the time out to chat to SAT about training.

Tell us about your work as a trainer - what organizations do you work for and what do you do in those roles?

My work as a dog trainer has evolved from working with caregivers and their dogs in a group setting to working with both dogs and cats. I operate a behaviour and training business that focuses primarily on preventative work with puppies and kittens and behaviour modification work with adolescent and adult animals. This evolution stems from my Masters level studies in companion animal behaviour analysis and counseling.

Currently, I run a puppy class at a local vet clinic and I also work with kittens (every chance I get!) at a local cat shelter. In fact, most of my work comes from vet and shelter referrals. I work with vets, veterinary behaviourists and dog trainers doing consulting and my work with the cat shelter involves providing advice and education to adopters and those looking to adopt.

One of my passions is educating the public and other industry professionals on the behaviour, care and management of companion animals and to this end I give presentations and workshops as often as I can. I also lecture in the dog trainers skill set (Cert III and IV) at the Challenger Institute of Technology here in Perth and I act as a committee member for the Industry Accredited Dog Trainers Association of Western Australia, an organization that promotes quality education for dog trainers.

How did you get involved in training dogs in the first place?

I have always been interested in working with animals, but during my university days I ended up getting a Bachelors degree in Geological Engineering and working in the oil industry for several years. It wasn’t until my boys were teenagers that I started to think seriously about pursuing a career working with animals. We were living in Germany at the time and I was working with a fabulous (and well qualified) canine behaviour specialist with one of my dogs, Boudreaux. Working with this woman proved to be the catalyst for my career change: her depth of knowledge, skills and expertise were just inspiring! 

So when my family and I moved to Perth I set out to learn more about dog training and behaviour. I enrolled in the same skill set that I now lecture in, and at the same time I was fortunate to be mentored by a woman who is, without a doubt, one of the best dog trainers in Western Australia. She and I worked at a local dog shelter. In fact she and I started a dog trainer business and worked together for several years. About four years ago I started researching Masters programs in animal behaviour and eventually enrolled and started the ‘hard slog’. I have finally finished all my course work and practicums and am currently working on my thesis.

At G2Z you will be talking about environmental enrichment. What is EE?

Environmental enrichment, whether in a shelter environment or in the home, involves the enhancement of an animal’s physical or social environment. The outcomes of enrichment should be to:
1) Increase the number and range of normal behaviors shown by the animal
2) Prevent the development of abnormal behaviors or reduce their frequency/severity
3) Increase positive utilization of the environment (e.g., the use of space)
4) Increase the animal’s ability to cope with behavioral and physiological challenges such as exposure to humans or environmental variation.
The goal of enrichment strategies is to produce change, whether behavioural or physiological, that improve the welfare (quality of life) of the animal.

Training is not just about the "sit" and "shake".
Why is EE important in relation to cats in shelters?

My work at both dog and cat shelters led to my thesis topic, The impact of adopter expectations and adoption processes on shelter adoptions. It was through my work and the research for my thesis that I began to really appreciate the role of the environment in enhancing and supporting the behavioural needs of a companion animal, particularly during a shelter stay. Environmental enrichment in the shelter addresses the issues of what animals need as well as what animals want. 

The first issue may be perceived as targeting those requirements necessary to maintain the physical wellbeing, or health, of the animals and providing an environment that addresses behavioural needs. The second issue may be perceived as targeting a positive emotional state for the animals. An analysis of the literature on environmental enrichment in shelters suggests that it can reduce environment related stress. Reducing stress is likely to result in improved tractability, a reduced incidence of disease, and increased adoptability for shelter animals.

Can you give examples of types of EE that could be used in shelters?

The program that I have developed uses social, tactile, play, training, and object/housing enrichment strategies. While addressing the basic maintenance needs of the animal (e.g. basic resources and their placement) can be approached in a general way, effective enrichment uses a very idiopathic approach: the strategies used must be designed for the individual animal. There are numerous other strategies that can be employed including those focusing on the olfactory and visual environment as well as on feeding enrichment strategies.

A kitten plays on a scratching post.
What are the barriers to using EE? 

The provision of environmental enrichment is an inexpensive and effective way to enhance the quality of life of shelter animals. Volunteers can be trained to implement enrichment strategies and basic, daily tasks can be put into place for time-poor staff in a way that compliments rather than burdens their normal routine. For many shelters there may be quite a lot of entrenched tradition and skepticism to overcome, not only in terms of perceived budgeting and time issues, but also in terms of how many see the shelter stay: as a temporary ‘roof over their heads’ way-station. The goal of maintain the health of shelter animals until they can be rehomed may overshadow the reality that for many animals, their shelter stay is overlong in terms of their welfare, whether that stay is for weeks or months.

In a recent trip to the United States, I visited several cat shelters, both large and small, that view environmental enrichment as a given part of their policies and procedures. I would like to see this happening in every shelter in Australia.

Cat shelters should NOT look like this!
Can you tell us about Boudreaux and Georgie - how did you meet and do you train them?

My family adopted Georgie, our Irish Terrier cross, from a dog shelter the first time we lived in Perth in 1999. She was 2 years old at the time and her former family was leaving the country and unable to take her with them. I took Georgie to several group training classes in Perth. A couple of years after that we moved back to the United States with Georgie. While there, I had agreed to take care of my nephew’s 2 year old Boxer, Boudreaux. For several reasons we ended up keeping him. Unfortunately, I later discovered that my nephew was involved in a rather unsavory group of people and Boudreaux’s early experiences had quite a negative impact on his behaviour with both people and other dogs.

Shortly after this we moved to Germany (for the second time) where Boudreaux and I worked with a canine behaviour specialist. The family, including the dogs, eventually returned to Australia. So my dogs have flown internationally a few times, although knowing what I know now, I regret having put my dogs through what was a stressful experience for them.
The dogs are 14-15 years old now and quite slow and most comfortable in their home environment. They still love short play and shaping sessions and I make sure that they feel safe, unchallenged, and well-loved.

There are lots of websites and books which teach people how to train animals. Where do you recommend people start?

There are indeed a lot of websites and books that purportedly teach people how to train dogs. Unfortunately, unless one knows what to look for, one may end up with information that is not only hopelessly outdated but also uses a one-size-fits-all approach. This sort of information has the potential to impact on the pet’s welfare and certainly on the human-animal bond. I have compiled a list of appropriate resources that are based on current best practice training methods that I share with my clients, colleagues and students.

For caregivers, I would recommend that they seek out a well qualified, experienced trainer. Unfortunately dog training is an unregulated industry. Until this changes it is going to be difficult for caregivers to distinguish between ‘traditional’ trainers and those educated and experienced in evidence-based training methods.

As a vet I worry that sometimes my interactions with animals are negative, ie I see them for a short time, perform an examination and perhaps give an injection. Are there any things that vets can do, aside from provide liver treats [not everyone takes them!] to avoid this negative reenforcement?

I think it must be so difficult for vets to address both the physiological and behavioural needs of their clients in the short time they have. In terms of behaviour, I think it would be helpful for vets to offer regular education sessions for their clients that focus heavily on prevention of the development of behaviour problems. These should include well run puppy and kitten classes as well as “Introduce Your Pet to the Clinic’ programs. 

In addition, I think it would be helpful for vet clinics to incorporate regular staff training on species-specific behaviour and particularly canine and feline communication. I would also like to see a well-read copy of Sophia Yin’s Handling, Restraint and Behavior Modification of Cats & Dogs in every vet clinic. This book has excellent advice for putting into place low-stress handling strategies and promoting a more positive emotional experience for pets (and their caregivers!) at the clinic.

What are the traits of a good animal trainer and how can we develop these?

For people who are interested in becoming a dog trainer, I would recommend that they seek advice from qualified trainers, pursue a formal education, work in a shelter, and work with a qualified mentor. Every dog trainer should be armed with a solid working knowledge of the science of learning and species-specific behaviour before attempting to work with companion animals or advice their caregivers. Because companion dog training is really about educating and working with people, dog trainers also need to have fantastic social skills and have perfected the art of effective communication.

Thank you so much Cecile for taking the time out! 

Monday, September 9, 2013

Interview with Anja, ferret lover and blogger

Frida the friendly ferret explores the world.
Ever wondered how an Arnold Schwarzenegger movie can enhance the human animal bond? Anja is a 23-year-old ferret enthusiast from Zagreb, Croatia. Frida is her ferret. A certain Arnie movie brought them together in a roundabout way. SAT got the lowdown. 

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I am a civil engineering student and I adore animals. In my free time I am writing this blog Friendly Ferret, still learning new things about ferrets even though I have been studying ferrets for a few years.

Why did you decide to adopt a ferret?

When I was little, I watched a movie called Kindergarten Cop, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. He had ferret as a pet. He was working in a kindergarten on an undercover assignment (he was a cop) and the kids were insane. One day he took his ferret to the kindergarten to make all children stop yelling and running around and it worked.

The children were looking at that ferret and so was I. That ferret was so beautiful and adorable, for me it was the most awesome thing I have ever seen. Through the years my love towards ferrets grew bigger and bigger and I just knew I have to buy one. 

Frida sleeps.
Can you tell us a bit about Frida: where did you get her from and what is her personality like?

I got Frida as a gift from my boyfriend who knew how much I loved ferrets and that my wish was to have a ferret one day. I got her for my birthday, she was only 5 weeks when she arrived and we had to feed her with milk. She is really good, she doesn't bite at all, she's a very playful and happy little ferret. From the beginning she knew what litter box is for. When she grew up we trained a little so she knows few tricks as well. It is real joy to have her around. 

Tell us a bit about the relationship you guys have.

She is actually pretty attached to me and I hate when I have to leave her home. Usually it is for one day, not more, but then my family steps in and plays with Frida. In the beginning I though she wouldn't recognize me as her owner, but now I am noticing that she actually does. When someone she doesn't know is in the room with me, she always looks to see where I am and if I leave the room she gets a little nervous and usually hides under the sofa. If she accidentally bites me while playing she starts licking that spot to apologize.

Tell us about your daily routine with Frida – how do you look after her?

She sleeps in her cage overnight, so in the morning I let her out and the games begin. The first thing she does is to see if everything is in the right order.If there is something new in the room she will notice that and start exploring. Then we play, if the weather is nice, not too hot we go to the nearest park so she can explore. I feed her with Totally Ferret food, because it is only food she will eat. I want her to eat meat, but she refuses it. She is very picky when it comes to eating, but most ferrets are.

When it comes to maintenance she isn't very complicated. Every two weeks we clip her toenails. I do that with my brother. He holds her and gives her malt paste, she adores it, while I clip her nails. The same thing happens with ear cleaning, she doesn't like that. Bath time is about every month to two months, and that is really an adventure.

Have you ever taken Frida to the vet?

I have taken her couple of times to the vet. Their first encounter was when she arrived and it was regular check up: is she healthy, does she have fleas etc.? She has also had her vaccination, neutering, and anal glands emptied - she was brave little girl every time. Neutering was important because I am not planning to mate Frida and when jills don't mate they develop different health problems which can eventually cause death. When she was vaccinated or her anal glands cleaned, we gave her malt paste which made those procedures much easier. The vet was very nice to both of us and gave us many useful tips.

Ferrets are known for being very playful. How do you entertain Frida?

I throw her balls which she follows, but doesn't catch, she just continues to run next to the ball. She also chases the roll of toilet paper. Her favourite toys are plastic cups. She can play with them for hours. They are light and hard to catch for her so she runs all day trying to catch them. I have one extra long tube and a couple of short ones which she loves very much. I love to play with her in boxes. I make a few openings in a box, she enters and when her nose is near the opening I tap it and she goes to another opening. There is also a game with a blanket. She is under the blanket and I lift the blanket, she starts to jump and runs around. Every day is different around her.

Frida licks a treat. Note one of her favourite toys - a plastic cup - in the background.
Ferrets are known for eating things they shouldn't. How does one ferret-proof their house? Has Frida ever eaten something she should not have?

Frida hasn't eaten anything she shouldn't have. Every toy she has is made out of plastic which she won't chew, or it is to hard for her to chew. We are trying to move anything she could eat, so things like rubber and foam are in the closet where she can't enter. When she is playing, there is always somebody around her to stop her when she does things she shouldn't. The most important thing to ferret-proof is the bathroom, due to the chemicals for cleaning (we are keeping them in one cabinet in the bathroom) and the toilet seat (they can easily enter but it is hard to get out). Also,you have to stop your ferret from entering behind a fridge, because they can chew through cables and be electrocuted. Same thing with the oven and dish washer.

Have you got any favourite ferret related websites?

Yes, my personal favorite is actually Croatian ferret forum, called Tvorum (coratian word for ferret is tvor) and there I learned so much about them.

Ferrets are flexible, a trait to take into account when ferret-proofing one's abode.
How has Frida changed you as a person?

She made me happier. When I am down I just need to look her, jumping and running around like crazy and I am happy in a minute. Ferrets are little anti-stress balls. While Frida is here I have really grown when it comes to responsibility and my mother sais that Frida has made our family even closer than before. I knew that having a ferret is a challenge, due to their biting habits and common health problems, but this challenge I would take over and over again. I am even considering buying another. 

Thanks Anja! We love your enthusiasm.

Sunday, September 8, 2013

Electioneering: pets and polls

Phil in his Wallabies jersey.
For most Australians it has been a busy weekend, racing to the poll booths to vote and then being glued to the television to await the outcome. Whatever side of politics you are on it has been a significant weekend.

Aside from the fact that it represents the democracy in which we are fortunate enough to live, one of the best things about voting (at least in my electorate) is that its dog friendly.

When Phil and I arrived yesterday there were some Cocker spaniels and Cavoodles in the queue, and he was allowed to come into the polling booth with me. However given the enormous senate form and the time some people were taking to vote we weren't sure it was an appropriate photo opp. So here are some pics of Phil's election-wear.
Phil's election wear. Rationale for wardrobe choice: we didn't happen to have a dog jersey for the parties we supported, and we felt we were voting for Australia, and the Wallabies jersey was our only Aussie-themed kit. 
He was deadset on hanging out for the sausage sizzle but I know full well that Phil + sausages = diarrhoea, so he was defeated on that motion. So to speak.

If you took your pet to the pollbooths we'd love to see a pic. Otherwise have a great weekend and SAT will return to normal programming tomorrow.