Dog Blog

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) is in possession of explosive information that could lead to a swoop on organised dog fighting rings across the country.

And the people being targeted in the SPCA’s crackdown are professionals: lawyers, businessmen, dog breeders – and even a veterinarian and a pastor.

They are pitting their dogs against each other in homemade rings, empty swimming pools, abandoned warehouses and suburban homes, and believe their actions are not cruel, but are designed to maintain the American Pit Bull Terrier’s (APBT) fighting bloodline.

When dogs refuse to fight, either jumping out of the ring, trying to flee their opponent or lying down and submitting to another dog’s attack, their owners either destroy or sell them, because they are “curs” and do not have “game” – the necessary aggression and tenacity to take on another dog in the ring and to fight, sometimes to the death.

That’s just some of the information obtained by the SPCA over a period of “several years”, says the organisation’s Cape of Good Hope branch CEO, Allan Perrins.

Perrins said the organisation had been tracking organised dogfighters “for some time”, but had recently learnt more about fighting terminology and planned fights.

He declined to identify his “multiple sources”, saying organised dogfighters “could be dangerous” and might threaten anyone they suspected of providing the SPCA with information.

One SPCA inspector, who has been tracking these dogfighters “for 10 years” and asked not to be named because he believed he would be put “in harm’s way”, said a “Grand Champion dog”, which has won a number of fights, was apparently looking for challengers at the moment.

It was not known when the fight would happen, or if an opponent had been secured, said the inspector.

Dogs are trained and schooled for up to two years to prepare them for actual fights – and the stakes are high.

“A lot of money is spent on getting pedigreed dogs with a lot of ‘game’,” said Perrins.

“A Grand Champion dog alone could fetch R5 000 in stud fees.”

Perrins said a source had told the SPCA that dogs belonging to organised fighters were not neglected or abused.

“We were told that these guys will do anything for their animals – they love them and look after them very well, but they believe they were bred for fighting, and therefore fight to breed,” said Perrins.

However, dogs which did not fight, and were deemed to have “bad blood”, were generally destroyed, said Perrins. “One person told us that (organised dog fighters) go through dogs really fast, because they have no problem killing dogs that don’t perform.”

He said a split existed between APBT owners who believed their dogs should fight to continue their bloodlines, and those who abhorred the practice.

“Owners say that pit bulls are great animals, wonderful around people and children.

“(Pit bulls) have been bred to be aggressive towards animals, but often live in harmony with other animals. They do become very aggressive to other animals when raised incorrectly, is what owners are telling us,” said Perrins.

The Kennel Union of Southern Africa (Kusa) on Tuesday condemned dog fighting as “utterly barbaric”.

“We are totally and utterly against any form of dog fighting,” said Kusa president Greg Eva. “We’d love to stop it.”

Perrins said people should be aware that dog fights could be happening “right next door” in their suburban neighbourhoods. “If you see large groups of people coming and going with dogs, or hear dogs barking, or see dogs being brought into properties in cages, you should call the SPCA immediately,” he said.

“We are appealing to people who are involved in these dog fights and who have had an attack of conscience to call us so we can intervene,” said Perrins. Anonymity was guaranteed, he said.

Source

Sheraton hires ‘canine ambassador’
Mario Toneguzzi, Calgary Herald

An upscale downtown Calgary hotel has taken the concept of workplace diversity to a new level.

Joining the staff recently is a new top dog — an addition the Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire hopes will be a ‘paws-itive’ experience for both staff and guests.

Clarence will eventually have his own office (albeit a doghouse), e-mail address and business card. And that card will describe him as Canine Hotel Ambassador.

The 14-week-old black Labradoodle — a black Labrador/standard poodle mix who doesn’t shed — will welcome guests to the hotel, be available for guests who want to take him for a walk or a jog, and provide some comfort and company for out-of-town clients who are missing the pets they left at home. He will also be able to provide female guests with some additional safety and security if they choose to go for a walk or jog in the neighbourhood.

Ross Meredith, general manager of the hotel, said the goal and the hope of hotel is that Clarence will become a fan favourite of both associates and guests.

“We are a business travel hotel and we have a lot of regular traffic. We’ve been able to build great relationships with our customers and we think this is another way to extend that,” said Meredith, adding the pooch is the first hotel dog in Alberta.

Some other cities offer the service in North America, but it remains a rare situation.

“Sheraton has a positioning statement that talks about warm, comforting and connecting. Those are sort of our three key words. I think this is just an extension of that approach . . . It’s part of our culture. We’re always looking for ways to continue that relationship, continue that point of difference.”

Debi Andrus, assistant professor of marketing at the University of Calgary’s Haskayne School of Business, said it’s not surprising that hotels would be considering adding this as a benefit for people staying there.

“Pets have become such an important part of people’s lives,” said Andrus. “When we see the growth of the ownership, we see how close people are to their pets. They’re not service animals anymore. They’re companions. So when you’re away from your animal you can miss them and so I think this is an interesting benefit they are providing to their guests.”

Andrus said dog breeds do make a difference and have different characteristics. Obviously having a pit bull in that capacity wouldn’t be such a great idea. But dogs that like to please, are easy to train and considered to be “fuzzy and friendly” would fit well into a workplace — and bring a smile and some laughter to guests they encounter with their wagging tails, cool, wet noses and friendly bark.

The Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire has been a “dog-friendly” hotel for about 18 months, part of a growing trend in the hotel industry. Meredith said that on weekends it is not uncommon to have about a dozen dogs staying at the hotel.

The hotel’s Love That Dog initiative provides custom-designed oversized pet pillows for the dogs as well as food and water bowls and temporary ID tags with hotel contact info. There is also a VIP (Very Important Puppy) service that includes toys and treats for a guest’s pooch and dog-sitting and dog-walking services for a fee with advance arrangements.

Michael Sieger, president of the Calgary Hotel Association, said the Clarence concept has been used in some other markets. “It’s definitely a niche market,” he said.

“It’s a great program . . . I think in the industry now, what I’ve seen is the pets program, where you’re allowed to essentially bring your pet with you, that’s becoming very popular,” said Sieger, general manager of the Executive Royal Inn. “If anything, that’s growing by leaps and bounds.

“I like the angle the Sheraton’s doing. It should do well for them. It’s different.”

Right now, Clarence is just getting his paws wet in his new job. He needs to be very well-trained. It won’t be until he’s six months old that hotel staff and guests will see him on a regular basis. Then he will spend eight to nine hours each day, five to six days a week in the hotel. When he goes home, he will be staying at the Meredith residence.

Clarence will spend about 30 to 40 per cent of his time out front meeting and greeting guests. He will also spend time around the concierge desk, where a doghouse will be built. He will also be available for outings with guests, who can eventually book through his e-mail address when it is up and running or at the concierge desk.

mtoneguzzi@theherald.canwest.com

Sheraton’s Top Dog

- Name: Clarence

- Age: 14 weeks

- Breed: black Labradoodle — a black Labrador and standard poodle that does not shed

- Work start date: July 18

- Location: Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire, 255 Barclay Parade S.W.

- Title: Canine Hotel Ambassador

© The Calgary Herald 2007

Congratulations to The Blade for the Aug. 1 editorial that states the obvious regarding renting a dog: “What about the dog?”

Having worked with dogs for many decades, as well as having written numerous articles concerning their behavior, health, and training, I know renting a dog is not a good idea and should not become the idea de jour for busy people who think they want a part-time pet.

Dogs thrive in an environment of consistency. Their job is to watch their people and detect small cues that will tell them what’s next on the agenda. When I put on cologne and grab my car keys, neither of my dogs sits by the fanny pack I wear on our walk by the river. However, when I reach for the hiking shoes and sunscreen, both sit at the door to the closet where it is kept.

Any owner who has boarded a dog can tell you that a break in routine may lead to unwanted behaviors such as chewing or a reversal of housebreaking. Everyone likes to understand his or her environment and be able to predict consequences of behavior, especially dogs.

If people are too busy to own a dog, renting one isn’t the answer — especially for the dog. For the sake of canines everywhere, I hope this does not catch on.

Shirley Greene
Meridian, Idaho

Transporting pets heavily influences purchase

Misty Harris, CanWest News Service
Published: Thursday, August 09

Women may make 60 per cent of car purchases and influence 85 per cent of consumer decisions, but the latest research suggests the real power lies with the one who wears the paws in the family.

According to a survey by the American Kennel Club (AKC), nearly half of dog owners (47 per cent) are swayed by the needs of their four-legged friends when choosing a new vehicle. Among those who have owned their dogs 10 years or more, the number climbs to 52 per cent.

“The study reveals that dog ownership heavily influences both lifestyle and purchasing habits,” says Lisa Peterson, spokeswoman for the AKC. “One of the sole reasons I purchased my Honda Odyssey was because all the other minivans were too small to fit my dogs comfortably.”

The trend isn’t going unnoticed by auto makers, who are responding with everything from pet-friendly cargo holds and removable ventilation panels to aftermarket mats that protect the vehicle’s interior from hair, slobber, urine and other unwanted “presents” from your pup.

Honda even has a concept minivan designed entirely with man’s best friend in mind, featuring such pooch perks as a built-in pet crate where the glove compartment would otherwise be, second-row seats that transform into a large dog crate, a low centre of gravity for increased stability, a doggie walking path between the seats, removable flooring, and canine safety belts.

“I think companies in general are realizing that (possibilities for) dog accessories are endless,” says Peterson.

“That’s why that ubiquitous yellow Labrador retriever — which has been our No. 1 breed for the last 16 years — is featured on a lot of advertising consumers see now.”

Volvo, touted by Cars.com as the auto manufacturer doing the “best job of offering products for pet owners,” depicts the affable Lab, along with other popular family dogs, throughout its 2007 brochures. The manufacturer’s complete lineup has dog guards that safely stow pets, while certain models come standard with everything from net partitions to Kevlar restraints and fold-down metal safety gates.

“The dog is probably happier sitting beside you. But the reality is that that’s not the right place; the airbag alone could kill him,” says Michael Atkin, principal retailer of Edmonton’s Anglo Canadian Volvo.

“We’re approaching it from the point of view of, ‘Do you want a 100-pound projectile flying through the car in the event of a crash?’ ”

For Danielle Cantin, the choice was simple. She traded in her sedan for a Honda CRV with such Fido-friendly features as a roomy cargo hold, fold-down seats and low-rise doors that make it easy for her pets to get in and out.

“The dogs were the one and only reason why we got a new vehicle,” says Cantin, whose furry brood includes two Greyhounds and a German shepherd.

“We like taking them to family events, and it was just too cramped in the Acura. We could do it, it just wasn’t pretty.”

According to DogCars.com, a site that reviews vehicles, the best “dogmobiles” (for reasons that include everything from windows that help prevent puppy nose-prints and recessed cup holders that “deter a paw in the latte”) are the Honda Element, Nissan Xterra, Dodge Nitro, Dodge Grand Caravan, Honda Fit Sport, Jeep Compass, Kia Sedona, Range Rover Sport Supercharged, Subaru Forester, Suzuki Forenza Wagon, Toyota Rav4 and Volvo’s XC90.

© The Edmonton Journal 2007

I have no idea how they do this – but it has provided some light entertainment for me….

TYPE IN a command and see what happens… sit, roll over, down, stand, sing, dance, shake, fetch, play dead etc. and…it’s also very cute if you type in a command that’s not recognized…

Hint – type in “Kiss” as the final command.

I do Dog Tricks